Christmas Spirit

I was a little concerned when this came up today on my news feed on Facebook: 

"Because we need Christmas we had better understand what it is and what it isn't. Gifts, holly, mistletoe, and red-nosed reindeer are fun as traditions, but they are not what Christmas is really all about. Christmas pertains to that glorious moment when the Son of our Father joined his divinity to our imperfect humanity." 
-Hugh W. Pinnock

I do my best to make sure my kids understand what Christmas is all about and why we celebrate it.  And in my house, it's about Jesus Christ, his birth, and all the love that he shared with everyone here on earth. However, I have to disagree with this statement of gifts, holly, mistletoe, and red-nosed reindeer not being a part of the true meaning of Christmas.  

Christmas evolves every year.  People keep old traditions, and create new traditions that fit better with their families, but I think no matter what is changed it's never the Spirit of Christmas.  I still see hope in children's eyes when they see Santa.  Santa is just another representation of love, caring and sharing of self.  I see excitement of giving when gifts are given, even from the smallest of children.  Gifts are an expression of caring and friendship for the recipient.  Holly in wreaths and decor at Christmas represent truth.  Truth in our relationships with each other.  I see love expressed under the mistletoe.  Love just beginning and love enduring many years.  Reindeer along with Santa have their place too.  They aren't just mythical creatures created to pull Santa around.  They are the mode in which Christmas spirit is delivered.  It could be through a friend, loved one, or even a stranger by way of a smile, an act of kindness, a gift, or a song.  There are many ways that the magic of Christmas can be shared.  We just choose which is best for us and our personality.

I hope during this Christmas season we focus on what Christmas is and can be, not what it isn't.  Christmas is love, kindness, and a time for helping those in need.  God let us all remember this now and throughout the year.

MOMENTS

There are moments in life that are special.

There are moments in life that are common.

There are moments I will forever cherish.

There are moments I wish I could forget.

There are moments that change my life forever.

There are moments that hold me back.

There are moments that push me along.

There are moments that open doors.

There are moments that slam them shut.

There are moments of acceptance.

There are moments abandoned.

There are moments of creation.

There are moments of destruction.

There are moments filled with courage.

There are moments cornered by fear.

All of these moments are a part of me.  All of them helped me create who I am.  They do not define me, but are within me.  They are all Mine.

I Am. . .

I am a Woman.

I am a Wife and Lover.

I am a Mother who would kill to protect my babies.

I love to get dolled up.  Make up, Fancy Dress, high heeled shoes, curls in my hair, the whole shebang. 

I am an athlete. I am a Runner.

I am educated.  

I imagine, design, and create.  

I am a Friend.  

I have a divine roll within my life and family.  My role has been defined by myself, my Hubby, and my God.  Over the years, it has been co-provider, sole-provider, and stay at home Mom.  All at different times with different needs.  My role (along with my Hubby's role) is redefined every time we come upon a challenge within our life.  

I advocate Equal Rights.

I am a Feminist.

I am a Believer.

I am Me.

I Know My Place

The article "Woman, Know Thy Place" was published in the opinion section of Sunday's publication of the Salt Lake Tribune in response to another article posted earlier last week.  In the article, James Maples expresses his sorrow for the possible change of having women pray in the General Session of Conference this upcoming April.  Maples says,

"Woman was created for man; this world was made for men to lead households and prayers. Man was created in God’s image — not in a woman’s image."

Now, I am quite positive that I was not made just to serve my Husband.  I was not made to come running  every time he wants food, the cleaning done, and to take care of the kids.  I sure as Hell was NOT created to fulfill his sexual fantasies whenever he desires.  

I WAS CREATED TO LOVE AND BE LOVED.

If this world was made for men to lead households, then why aren't they AT HOME?  And while at home,  are they supposed to be the only ones praying or teaching the kids to pray?  Wait, was that before or after I came running to take care of the kids?  Men were not made to lead households and prayers.  They were made to experience joy with family and friends through service and love.  NOT through Tyranny.

 I WAS CREATED TO RESPECT AND BE RESPECTED.

Lets say for the sake of argument, that God is male.  Men were created in God's image.  So, whose image was every female created after?  Because last I checked, I have breasts and no penis.  Is it really all that horrific for women to yearn to understand and know their Heavenly Mother better?  There is not a doubt in my mind that She has never and will never cower before Her heavenly counterpart.  

I AM A WOMAN, CREATED TO RULE MY KINGDOM STANDING NEXT TO MY HUSBAND.

I will not be an object.  I will be a respected member of society.
I will not be a shadow.  I will be a voice.
I will not be a doormat.  I will be a leader.

I KNOW MY PLACE.  Thanks!

FMH Get Together

Last night I had the wonderful privilege of meeting some men and women that have similar feelings as I do toward the Church, it's teachings, and our interaction with it.  It was the breath of fresh air I needed to lighten my night.  I walked away completely rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.  I'm so excited to continue my new found friendships.

Simply Stylish by Carrie Foster

Simply Stylish: How To Revamp Your Wardrobe For Chic Style At Any Age by Carrie Foster
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was okay. I enjoyed the list of "must haves" for my closet, but felt like it was a bit like every other style book. Anyone can tell me to have neutrals in my clothing for classic looks. I was looking for a bit more when it came to "adding your own style." She mentions adding it, but doesn't talk about it.

I also felt that Age suggestions for clothing was going to be a large part of this book. It is in the sub-title. I don't think enough time was spent addressing age appropriate clothing.

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Forgive me for having a lot of book reviews lately, but I've been reading a ton.  Hopefully I can keep the reading up through out the year.  I don't think I've ever enjoyed reading as much as I am currently.  It is one of my goals this year; to read 100 books.  Here's to gettin' it done.

Project Conversion by Andrew Bowen

Project Conversion: One Man, 12 Faiths, One Year by Andrew Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic read. Quick read, easily understood, and emotionally moving. I would recommend this book for sure. Anyone interested in religion, experience, and transformation will surely love this book. LOVED it!

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Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic read.  It was a suspenseful, thrilling love story.  I couldn't put it down.  I just had to know what happened next.  I can't wait to see the movie.  I hope it's as good as the book.


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Beginning of Healing

I haven't posted for a while I know.  Probably because I was trying to do too much.

Too many blogs.  Too much housework.  Too many meals to make.  Exercise every day.  Play with the kids every day.  Call people back.  Mommy & Me Book Club. Answer Emails.  Play Dates.  See friends.  Try to keep those friends because we NEVER see them.  Get outside.  Stay Healthy.  Too many sick days.  Grocery shop.  Doctor appointments.  Changing diapers.  Shower.  Get ready.  Wash kids.  Get kids dressed.  Feed family.  Nap time (kids).  Pay bills.  Balance my budget.  Organize kitchen.  Organize desk.  Spring Clean (or Winter).  Stare at my jumble of an apartment.  There is just so much, sometimes I do nothing.  You?

This year is about Healing.  Healing my Soul.  My soul has been aching for years and I haven't exactly known how to fix it.  Not that I know now, but I'm willing to try.  This blog this year is going to be addressing my Healing, Spiritual and Physical.  Relieving my soul of such stresses is vital for me and my little family.  It's going to be a great year.