The Art of Gifting

Christmas has come and gone.  The packages that were "thoughtfully" shopped for, made and given to someone are an afterthought in many peoples mines.  Not mine.

The gifts my husband gifted to me were a reflection of the love that he has for me.  That's what gifting is all about.  Thoughtful, heartfelt, funny and given with love.  Like him, I am a gifter have always been.   I love giving things to people I know and in some cases complete strangers.  It doesn't have to be Christmas, it can be any day of the year.

One of the things I do not like is an obligated gifter.  Someone who as an after thought goes out and re gifts you something they received and absolutely think is beneath them in value to keep.  To me they don't love you or care enough about you to seek a perfect gift.

It's not the value of a gift, it's the purpose of the gift.  To show love, honor, respect and care for someone.  It's not the most expensive, the fanciest or the prettiest, but it is something of value to the receiver.....because you loved them enough to put a little effort into their gift.

I love funny gifts that are no value to anyone but me.  I love serious gifts that impact my soul and heart.  I love food, music, books....I love most everything except - "The Duty Gift !!"

Having been the receiver of that "duty" gift before,  I honestly believe that I would rather have no gift than a thoughtless gift.  Why, because the gift reflects the relationship between the giver and the gifted.

These gifts make me wonder if my relationship with the other person was ever what I thought it was. Did I ever make a difference in their life or was it always about them and I just wasn't open to seeing it.
Have I ever been a "Duty Giver?"

Well, I am here to tell you there will never be another duty gift given out by me.  If I can't think of something that impacts our relationship in a positive way, I won't be giving you something that makes you scratch your head and say "Wonder who gave this to her first?", unless of course we are playing Dirty Santa !!!!

To all who gifted me thoughtful, loving, funny and meaningful gifts I see them as a true reflection of the love you and I share for one another.  If you were a "Duty Giver"  it isn't always the thought that counts so.....I will just say Thank You !

Merry Christmas !!!!

Holy Year of Mercy or Just Another Day in the Traver's Family

Today I saw an article in the paper indicating that the Pope has marked the beginning of "Holy Year of Mercy".  While I am not Catholic some of my dearest friends are.  I respect the love of the faith, religion and the dedication my friend Bill Travers, Sr.and his son Father Patrick Travers have for Christ.

Bill Travers Sr.

These two men exemplify the meaning of "Mercy".  They practice what they believe every day, they live a life of mercy and grace.  They pray for so many, remember so much and are blessed to believe in ways many of us just dream about.

Bill has buried two wives, countless family members and friends, fought in wars and traveled the world back again.  His son Patrick has been on the front lines of many battlefields, praying, consoling and guiding our troops.  The entire Travers family is a "Family of Mercy.'

Father Patrick Travers

Pope Francis stated "How much wrong we do to God and his grace when we speak of sins being punished by his judgment before we speak of their being forgiving by his mercy.  We have to put mercy before judgment, and in any event God's judgment will always be in the light of his mercy."

For me, the "Holy Year of Mercy" became of Life of Mercy when I found Jesus.  By His grace I am forgiven and given much.  He gifted these two amazing men and their entire family to me through tragedy.  The losses we have suffered together have bonded our friendship into a family.

So as the Pope begins "The Year of Mercy", look around at the amazing people and gifts God has given you.  I bet you will be amazed at the wonderful life you have no matter what the circumstances.  I know for me, it's the people around you that matter the most.

Make this year your life altering "Life of Mercy" for someone else.

Servants of the Church, How You Act Reflects Directly On The Lord !!

This is not reflected onto anyone person or church, it is just my personal observation of the past few weeks.

1 Timothy 3:1-7  It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.  An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, un-contentious, free from the love of money.  He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?); and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.  And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.  (NAS)

In light of all the terrorists attacks, the media's focus on how we should and should not treat Muslims, how are elected officials are reacting, how the media and the some democrats are complaining about Christians offering prayers for victims. I decided to take a closer look at those we Christians turn to for guidance and support in these difficult times.

How do the "Leaders, Teachers, Elders" of our churches respond to not only terrorism, but homosexuality, hate, murder, transgender issues, abortion etc.  WOW, taught about a hodge-podge of ideas from these men and women.  It's crazy !!!

So far the best responses I have seen have been from Franklin Graham. " Sin is anything that runs counter to GOD's word - His standard for our lives. This includes pride, dishonesty, lack of love for our neighbors, using God’s Name in vain, and loving anything more than Him."

That is all sin my friends so those of you who pound your Bible's,  spew hatred towards those who are different, make jokes about someone's sexuality, tease members of others faith's have in essence just sinned.

We look to our church leaders for guidance, comfort, understanding and direction.  When those in the pulpit become lost and are only interested in personal gain, personal satisfaction and personal wealth, they have lost the way and we need to pray for them.  Ministers who are more impressed with the car someone drives or the $$$ in their bank account are lost and a very poor example of true servants. We need to make sure that these are not the people we are seeking our spiritual guidance from.

It is a very difficult task to be called to serve GOD as a spiritual leader. One without a doubt I am not up to.  I was not called for such a tremendous task, and for that I am thankful.  I am to opinionated, to quick tempered, I am to selfish to work 25-7 as a spiritual leader for people.  

A man or woman who serves our Living God can not have two masters.  He or she unfortunately is at work 24-7, directing, teaching and demonstrating the word of God.  

So my last words of observation are this, if you are a Leader, Teacher, Elder or partner of a servant of GOD, your actions do speak as loud as your words.  WE have to have GODLY people to turn to during these difficult times.  In times of trouble you are our go to people - step up and be recognized as one of HIS chosen not one of the followers of the weak.

To Boo or Not To Boo !!!!

Not being a big sports fan, I can take or leave all the fanatics out there.  Yes, I yell for my grandsons when they play, but I am not a fanatic.  Life lessons are so much more important to me than the score at the end of game.

If they play their best, learn something valuable and make an overall contribution to their teammates and the team, they will be successful.  I do not think that every child should get a trophy unless they are on the winning team.  Life is not about winning, but about sacrifice, dedication, determination and becoming someone others value more for their substance than their scorecard at the end of the day.

Where am I going with this?  There have been so many negatives written about a young
Arkansas man who chose to sign with a college out of the state of Arkansas.  WOW !!! What a controversy over a life choice.

The most disturbing thing has been grown men and women booing this kid when he comes to play. WHO ARE YOU ???? What have you as an individual done to enhance, encourage, empower this young man and other young kids playing sports today?  Nothing !!!! That's what nothing.

Since when has winning become more important that the child?  Forever that's when.  Dad's and Mom's coaching their kids, screaming and cussing when their child doesn't get what they think they should have.  Fights on fields led by coaches who are out of control.

For me, it just goes to reinforce my negative feelings about sports.  If schools from every level would spend more on the scholastic's of their students, their curriculum, the food and the growth of each individual instead of just a few elite athletes the world might become a more educated, kinder place to live and work in.

So the next time you are at a sport's event remember, your kids are a reflection of you !!! If you are yelling, cussing and booing someone else's child, it won't be long before your kids do they same.  You can't get angry with them because they are just following your lead.  Your kids and those on the other teams would appreciate silence from the sidelines over bullying, berating, cussing and screaming that may or may not be directed at them.

If you don't believe me, just have a heart to heart with your child or someone else's on their sports team.  Be prepared for the obvious - kids don't like parents and other adults acting like idiots !!!