Heart Hope by Olga

The stockings should be hung by the chimney with care and reindeer landing on the roof instead of dogs (that as a story for another time) but instead my house seems to be in chaos. Yes, I know that Pastor Craig's sermon series this month is entitled White Serenity and it is meant to help us focus on a peaceful, worshipful season. That's what I want, but that is not exactly what I have.  Our condo has been overly crowded with people and packages; wrapping and toys; food and sticky notes all over the floor, placed strategically by a two year. I love every minute, even though it is far from serene.  Focusing on what is really important during this season and the message of hope and salvation that the birth of Jesus brings, can be accomplished even with chaos around. After all, think about the first Christmas.  On the beautiful Christmas cards we see each year, the scene looks picturesque, each participant perfectly placed. However if we stop and think about ...

What I had hoped it would look like The scene was not as I envisioned. The picture I had conjured up was one of peace and serenity at bedtime with all the kids snuggled up in bed with me imparting words of wisdom to them, but the reality was it was more like Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed - and One Fell Off and Broke His Head. There were actually only 3 monkeys, one dog and Grumps and no trips to the doctor, but the bedtime ritual showed lots of similarities. I had high hopes that I would be able to have teachable moments with the grandkids while we were keeping them, but it just didn't seem to happen at bedtime. However, there were other times that there were truths spoken. Walking through the neighborhood with Griffin we talked about God as the Creator of the beautiful flowers and leaves and trees. It seemed to stick as he brought it up on his own the next time we were walking and pointed out to me the purple and green leaves and reminded me of the morning g...

Don't judge me and I won't judge you.  The lunch box should have been filled with organic fruits and vegetables, low fat and low salt treats and protein packed, sugar free delicacies, but it wasn't. Instead it was laden with processed junk food--goldfish, pretzels, Nabs, and an oatmeal bar. Not one thing that I would really classify as healthy, but it was the best I could do with the likes and dislikes of the preschooler.  As I realized that the teacher might be judging me for what was in the lunch, I thought about how often I judge someone for something when they are only trying to do the best they can with the situation, resources or circumstances. I'm going to try to turn over a new leaf. When I see someone who is "not up to my standards" instead of being critical, I'm going to try to be more understanding, more compassionate and more kindhearted. After all the mother with the dirty young child at the store, may be working full time and...

I'll confess. It wasn't just a bad hair day, but a bad haircut which ultimately means a bad hair month. I've tried it curly; I've tried it straight. In front of my ears and behind have also been part of the experiment. Nothing seems to work like it should. It must be bothering me more than I thought because I even dreamed about it. In my nighttime fantasy I returned to the salon and asked the hair dresser to help me do something with the mop of locks. He tried one thing after another and then walked away. Wondering where he went, I turned and saw he was sitting in chair first shaking his head and then hiding his face into his hands because he had no solution. It was a hopeless situation. Chuckling as I awoke remembering the dream, I was relieved to know that in the grand scheme of things this was not that important. I was also grateful to reflect that even though we often are in situations where we feel we have no solution, God never is. He always has the pe...

It was a fabulous fall day and we had the privilege of having Thomas for a few hours . Riverwalk was having a festival so Grumps and I headed there with all of the young parents to enjoy the beauty of where we live. Like any other 22 month old, Thomas is fascinated with pumpkins these days and went straight to the rocky pumpkin patch. Seeing a photo opportunity with Thomas standing on a "big heavy" rock, I instructed him to "Look up," meaning at the camera, but he took me literally and looked at the sky. He seemed to know that there was something more important than that camera and showed me that I too need to look up all day, every day beyond the here and now and look to my Heavenly Father. As little Tommy climbed on the rock to see the "big heavy" pumpkin, Grumps was standing near, with his arms outstretched ready to grab hold for a quick rescue if needed. That's what God does with is. We might not even know that He is near, but He is rig...

Olgie! Olgieee!!!! OLGIEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! Those were the screams I heard coming from behind the closed door of Thomas’ bedroom just after putting him down. I knew that he was tired and that it was his bedtime. If he had just been crying or fussing or acting like he wasn’t ready for bed, I might have resisted the pleas. But he was calling my name; he wanted me and he sounded desperate. So I went to him to comfort him and let him know that I was there for him. Did I have to do it? Absolutely not. Did I want to do it? Yes, because he is mine and I love him. I wonder if how we approach God matters to Him. If we go to Him just whining and complaining about things, does that encourage Him to want to listen to us? If we only go to Him asking for things, does He look forward to our time together? But if we go calling His name because of our love for Him, is He pleased to answer our cry? I believe so. God always loves those of us who belong to Him. He desires to spend time with those who...

The envelope arrived written in blue crayon; the one name Olgie scrawled on it. The only thing inside was a beautifully colored Bible verse. Molly knew who the letter was supposed to be delivered to and assumed everyone else would too.   When I received it there was no question as to who it was from even though there was no signature or return address. When you know someone so well, no explanation is necessary. When I go to God in prayer, worship or even in solitude I don't have to tell Him who I am and explain why I'm there; He already knows. And I don't have to guess if He will listen to me because I already know He will. When you know someone, care about them and love them things are different than with someone that you know casually or is only an acquaintance. When I thanked Molly for the lovely picture, she didn't ask me how I knew it was from her, because I knew where she got the coloring sheet; I knew how artistic she is; I recogni...