I Believe In the Magic of Childhood, Santa, Wisdom, and Truth

Ibelieve

I believe!

I believe in the magic of childhood, the world as our playground, and the miracle of things unseen. I believe in Santa Claus, Jesus, Angels, and Saints – I believe in nourishing imaginations, cultivating wisdom, teaching truth, serving others, and embracing life’s goodness.

O.k so, you’re saying; ‘Santa Claus’? – Yep, I’m going to go there today….

I have never thought much about this particular subject until the other day- I witnessed a little girl in a class I teach telling my girls ‘Santa is not real’.  I sat silently and proceeded to let my girls give their argument as to ‘why they believe’. My momma heart was aching of coarse as I so badly wanted to interrupt the conversation. I wanted to shield my children – tell great stories, and well, I had a few not so nice thoughts tucked in my mind as well {I’m just keeping it real..}!

When we first had children I contemplated the “Santa” thing – was I lying to my children if we “believed in Santa”. Would they know the true meaning of Christmas? How would I find a happy balance between Jesus and Santa? Why was I even worrying about such a silly thing, anyways? After all, Santa came to our house, I believe in Jesus, Angels, Saints, and I think I turned out ok. {Ha, maybe that’s a stretch}

We have many friends who don’t ‘do the Santa thing’ and that doesn’t bother me one tidily-wink.  I respect their decision, love their children,  and love them all just the same!

But, this was different – this was my children under attack by their peers. A reality I knew would one day come but, not here and not now! What would they say? In the end what would they believe? Could their childlike innocence withstand the pressure of peers?

Indeed it would!! What originally felt like a doomed circumstance soon became the most humbling of experiences – I  have taught them well. I have taught them to believe in the magic of childhood, Santa, wisdom, and truth. I have taught them to love themselves, teach, and serve others just as Jesus does. I have taught them to be leaders, world changers, and independent thinkers. I share this because for once they didn’t need me – they did it themselves!

They held firm to the things they believe in most – they told stories of Jesus, shared stories of Santa, educated about the Saints, and most importantly they stayed true to themselves. Now, they may not have changed the little eight year old classmates mind about Santa but, they certainly walked away that day a little more confident.

Dear, Sweet Child

Santa is real. From the ringing of bells to the magic of twinkling lights – he is real. Santa is a feeling – a joyful bond that unites many. Just as God uses us to serve, share His stories, and teach others – Santa does much the same.

Santa has some big shoes to fill and the work simply cannot be done without the help of many. Moms, Dads, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and Kids of all ages help keep the magic of Christmas alive – and, you my sweet child have done just the same.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer…”

May the light inside you burn bright always and may the ‘ringing’ of Santa’s bell ding forever. May you always hold tight the beliefs you hold so close to your heart: for it is the roots of truth that one day will become the wings which set you free.

A Story of Mary

Yes, it is the end of February and I have not been on the blogging world in what seems like forever. However, I will say it has been with good reason….back in early December little did I know I was about to begin a new chapter in my life! One of complete “Faith” !
Growing up as a child I always played “house”, had the most “babies”, was the neighborhood babysitter, and the church babysitter. My life has virtually revolved around kids! Fast forward 8 years….my lovely husband and I now have 3 beautiful children of our own and my love cup is overflowing.
As I lay in bed one night I found myself beginning to look forward to the next chapter of my life “Preschool and Beyond” leaving behind the chapter of “Diaper Duty”!
I prayed a very simple prayer; 
“Dear God, my mind and heart are in what seems to be a constant battle….one of moving forward and one of living in my ‘comfort’ baby zone. As I look ahead to what you may have planned for me and my family I pray that my mind, heart, and soul be open to all things.”
Fast forward a couple more weeks; 
Sitting at church listening to the story of Mary (one I have heard 100 times)

“Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever.”

The priest proceeded to ask the congregation; “Could we too be as brave and fearless as Mary to go forth and do what the Lord asks of us?” Sitting there I thought…how strong Mary had been…to not question or have any self doubt….how admirable!! Could I be as brave? Could I do as I was asked without hesitation?

Little did I know….I already had!!
Three + One = Four
That’s Right! The Wednesday before Christmas we found out we were going to be a family of “6” “Dear God!!” this is what I wanted, right? Questions, fears, and self doubt (can I seriously handle 4 kids under 7?) have filled my mind over the months all to be comforted in knowing these few things….
We have a family that is full of love!
We have shelter!
We have food!
We have water!
And yes, “Faith”!!!
I know by “faith” in doing the things we are “called” we will have peace within ourselves. The greatest gift of all! When we desire the things in life that are not ours or were never meant for us it is only then that we experience feelings of failure, uncertainty, and jealousy! Traits which are not nearly as admirable… 
Baby Blessing #4 looks forward to meeting everyone in August 2012!

Thank the Lord!!

 All I have to say is “Thank the Lord” for digital camera’s!! Trying to get “1” good picture this year for our Christmas cards was worse than getting a root canal. It was dark outside not letting enough light in from the outdoors, the lights in the house made the kids orange, and the tree lights gave a ‘special’ fire type glow! I give/gave up….picked 3 out of the terrible options and by far have created the worst family cards in my opinion in 6 years. O’well the message is still the same “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” and “Many warm blessings for a happy 2012”!!

 Hope you enjoy the laughs….the blurry pics

 


 Ugh, Another one bites the dust!

 Cheese!

 She was soooo patient!!

 Are we done yet?

 Ahhhh, too much light!

 Getting old….

 Not bad 🙂

 Duh?!?

 The squeeze of death…

 Hey, lets see how many ornaments I can take off?

 


 
So close but sooo far!!

 Another…Cheese!!

 Really, Mom, just stop already!!

 This one would have been cute..minus the blur and the light

 I told her big eyes…no squinting…this is what I got..LOL

 Serious face?

My Lord, I hope you all enjoyed this because…I personally wanted to cry and I’m sure my kids did too! Thank you God I didn’t have to print them all to view them 🙂