Regina's Family Seasons

Who Is Raising YOUR Children?

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:45:00 +0000

I love the scripture, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). This should be the foundation of dealing with youth. You cannot expect our youth to grow up and become productive and positive members of society if no one is teaching or training them. When I look around I see a lot of youth, teens, and young adults who are lost and wandering. They have no respect for life, elders, others, OR THEMSELVES. They do not care how they look, how they talk, how they act, or care about the impression they leave on others. If they respected themselves would they walk around looking like these guys and thinking it is appropriate??
But when they cannot get anywhere in life they are quick to blame society, their parent, and anyone else they can find to blame. Though it is true, PARENTS SHARE SOME RESPONSIBILITY for the outcome of what we see. IF, the parent has not invested the time to train that child. I am not talking about the children who were trained and are going through the independent phase, I am referring to the parents who are not so inclined to teach anything, impart any knowledge, share any legacies, nothing. They just had the child and that was pretty much it. I am talking about the parents who do not care if Lil Wayne is their son's role model!

And NO, I am busy is not valid, nor is, I have to work, I go to school, I need to go to church and volunteer my time for 8 hours, or I am tired! I am tired of the excuses some of you sorry excuse for parents are spreading! If you have tine to shop, go out, drive around with friends, go to the movies or Apple bees you have time to do something with the child YOU brought into this world!

It does not take long for a child to learn a lifelong lesson. Children are quicker and smarter than adults give them credit for. Matter of fact if you start when they are young they can learn from everyday interactions. For example my 2 year-old grandson watches me do the laundry. He knows where his dirty clothes go and he also knows wear the clean clothes go to dry. The last time he spent the night he helped grandma with the laundry! Yes, HE hung his shirt and pants on the drying rack because he has seen his Aunties and I do it! And he did a darn good job! When he spends the night he takes off his shoes and lines them up under my bed in a perfect line. WHY?? Because when he is home he sees his mother line up his and her shoes under the bed in a line.
Parent's are the FIRST TEACHERS! You need to act accordingly!
YOUR CHILD IS OUT OF CONTROL!!

Why is this guy raising your child?

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

Look At Me Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Ever feel like people are not really seeing the real you?? Ever feel like they are not appreciating your true worth? They are not understanding your true value? Ever feel like they do not see the real you? Ever feel like people have written you off because of outward appearances?
People are quick to judge you based on what they see. They are quick to make assumptions. When I was growing up I often heard the saying, "When you assume, you make an ass out of you and me". Now that I am grown, I know, "When you assume you are making an ass out of yourself"!
I do not have the right hair,
I do not have the right body,
I do not have the right clothes,
I am not one to need or want the spotlight,
I just like to be me! Doing my job the way God tells me to.
Sadly, people in the church are as judgmental, if not MORE judgmental than people in the world. They like to judge your clothes, hair, nails, the way you pray, if you pray in tongues or not, and everything else.
In the bible God told Samuel to anoint Jesse's son because he would be the future King of Israel. Samuel was looking for a son who had the LOOK of a king. This is a huge assumption or mistake that Samuel made in spotting God's choice for Israel's king. Samuel was looking for a statuesque, strapping, confident, young man who had the LOOK of a future king.
I can only imagine Samuel's surprise AND embarrassment when Jesse's son the sheep herder came in and God said to Samuel "ANOINT HIM, HE is the one"! 1st Samuel 16:1-13 tells the story of how David the smallest and youngest of Jesse's sons was anointed as King.

So while people are busy looking at appearances and outward adornments GOD is searching your heart, looking within for what He can use. So DO NOT live your life trying to please others with your look but strive to please God with your Spirit!

Blessings,
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

Serenity NOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:42:00 +0000

Things go wrong you worry, bills come in you worry, Life throws you a curve and you worry. You may have heard it often during your lifetime, I know that I have. Matter of fact my mother used to have it posted on a wall in the house (Maybe because her other child was driving her crazy, not me though I was the good one...)!

I am talking about the Serenity Prayer.

God, grant me the Serenity

To accept the things I cannot change...

Courage to change the things I can,

And Wisdom to know the difference.

This is only the first part of the untitled prayer written by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. This prayer is also widely recognized as the mantra for AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). The rest of the prayer is:

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it.

Trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His will.

That I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

Amen.

~Reinhold Niebuhr~

Even when we know, we cannot do anything about a situation we worry about it. Why? People are always worrying about things they cannot change, or worrying about something that has not even happened yet. Walking around, pacing the floor, biting your nails, pulling out your hair, wearing off the tread in the carpet, and running something repeatedly in your head. FOR WHAT? The bible talks about worrying especially in Matthew 6:25-34. Verse 27 asks the question, "And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure to his stature or to the span of his life?"

What does worrying get you? As the bible says, it does not add a single hour back to your life, so why worry. It will accomplish ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Instead of worrying, use that same time and energy for something more productive like praying, talking to the Father, or reading the word.

Matthew 6:34: Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Don't worry! Be Happy!
Smooches,
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

The Resignation of Eve

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:46:00 +0000

ATTENTION: Women of the Church!

What would happen if ALL women just stopped going to church? What would the men do?

This scenario happens in “The Resignation of Eve”.

Title - The Resignation Of Eve: What If Adam's Rib Is No Longer Willing To Be The Church's Backbone?
Author – Jim Henderson

Publisher – Barna Books/Tyndale House Publishers

Date of publication – February 2012

Number of pages – 320

*Tyndale House Publishers have provided me with an advanced, complimentary copy of "The Resignation of Eve" to read in order to write my review.*

Jim Henderson

Read Jim Henderson's Bio HERE

From the Tyndale House Media Center:

In talking with women around the country, Jim Henderson has come to believe that there is an epidemic of quiet, even sad resignation among dedicated Christian women who are feeling overworked and undervalued in the church. As a result, many women are discouraged. Some, particularly young women, respond by leaving the organized church . . . or walking away from the faith altogether.

WOW! What a very interesting book! "The Resignation of Eve" will definitely make you think about yourself, your church, and your involvement in church a little differently. As a Christian woman, I have had many of the thoughts and feelings highlighted in this book. The general premise of the book is essentially, what if the women of the church stopped being the workhorses of the church. That's right! No more singing in the choir. No more running the nursery. No more working in children's church. No more anything until equality is evaluated! Due to certain scriptures in the bible and due to a certain mindset of men in the church, women are not to lead in the church. Some men believe that women should be quiet in the church; other men believe that women should only lead women’s groups or work with children/youth groups. The author, through numerous interviews and research has attempted to expose the inequality in the treatment of women in the church. The book gives a very engaging look at how women view themselves in Gods’ church. This book was well written and thought provoking. The author gave us a LOT of information to ponder. I enjoyed reading the interviews with the various women and getting to understand the different views of women in the church. This book should be included in every book club across America. After reading The Resignation of Eve, I had to think back on my involvement in church work and evaluate what I do and why.

The author of this book believes that most women in the church fit into three main categories. Those RESIGNED to the treatment of women in the church. Those who RESIGNED from the church and its treatment of women. Lastly, those RE-SIGNED to influencing and changing the treatment of women in the church.

Which category do YOU fit in?

This book is a definite must read for MEN and WOMEN!

Blessings,

Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

It Is 2012, Where Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:19:00 +0000

I was doing some reading last night and meditating on some things and I went back to the book of Genesis. In chapter 3, after Adam and Eve have eaten the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil they came to know that they were naked. They clothed themselves with fig leaves. Adam and Eve heard God coming, walking in the garden and they hid themselves from the presence of the Lord.

Now in Genesis 3:9 the scripture says, "Then the LORD the God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" This is where I stopped because God said, "WHERE ARE YOU?" Now I have read this passage numerous times but this is the only time I actually stopped and thought about it. Why do you suppose GOD asked Adam, "WHERE ARE YOU"? Is not our God OMNIPOTENT? Is not our God OMNIPRESENT? Is not our God OMNISCIENT? So if God is All powerful, All Knowing, and Present all over, it must be a logical conclusion that GOD already KNEW where Adam was, what Adam had done and why he was hiding. So then why did God ask the question? I do not believe that God asked the question just to be rhetorical but PERHAPS GOD asked the question to give ADAM something to think about?
So just imagine that in OUR sin GOD is asking US, "WHERE ARE YOU?" Imagine you just did something TOTALLY STUPID and your friend, sibling, parent, mentor, said something like, "DUDE! REALLY??? COME ON! GET YOUR MIND RIGHT, WHERE YOU AT???" (Please do NOT tell me you NEVER had a conversation like this! If you never said it, then you had to have heard it!)
So, THIS is why I think God asked Adam, "WHERE ARE YOU"?
And now I ask YOU, "WHERE ARE YOU?????" Time to stop hiding because God already knows what you did, who you did it with, what you said, what you are thinking about....

WHERE ARE YOU in your spiritual walk?
WHERE ARE YOU in your relationship with GOD?
WHERE ARE YOU in the usage of your spiritual gifts?
WHERE ARE YOU with your spiritual life?
WHERE ARE YOU in your goals?

Think about it.....

Smooches,
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

It Was Her Fault!

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:02:00 +0000

As part of my action plans for 2012, I have started a new reading plan for the bible. This will be my third time reading the entire bible all the way through!

So as I was reading it dawned on me or better yet, the "Holy Spirit" revealed to me that DEFERRAL is an automatic and very natural habit to our flesh. Do you ever wonder why sometimes when confronted with an accusation or a problem your first reaction is to put it on someone else, to defer it? Perhaps, deferment comes so natural to us because it is in our blood. There are things that we do naturally, instinctively, and then there are other things we have to make a conscious decision to do. When confronted we have to consciously decide to tell the truth, or to own up to what we have done and said, we have to decide to take ownership for our actions. Deferment is so easy, so natural, some people do it without even thinking about it.
In Genesis chapter 3 verse 12 Adam says, "... the woman whom YOU gave to be with me, SHE gave me of the tree, and I ate". So basically what Adam did was defer his action, first to God, by saying the woman that YOU gave me, as if to say well look God, YOU gave me this chick so it is YOUR fault!
And if that was not bad enough Adam then deferred to Eve, as if to say, SHE gave it to me so it was HER fault!
When Eve ate from the tree of Good and Evil, she turned and gave some to Adam, who was with her! Adam could have refused, he could have reminded Eve that it was forbidden, he could have smacked that fruit out of her hand and ran, yelling for God to intervene but HE DID NOT! He ate. So when God asked Adam, "Have YOU eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you SHOULD NOT EAT"? (Gen 3:11). Adam passive aggressively put the blame else where. He did not lie, he just chose to tell HIS VERSION of the truth! Adam was there, Adam KNEW what God said, and yet Adam ate. And after he ate, he deferred!

So in order to be successful in our walk with God we must put off the natural man, stop doing and saying what comes naturally and start doing and saying what is pleasing to God. Remember the natural man does not receive things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Be Blessed All!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Happy 2012 People!
Well here we are in the beginning minutes of a brand new year! Out went the old and in came the new. I wonder who is actually reading this? If you are sitting on the computer in the first seconds of a brand new year, reading this blog post than I will pray for you because you need a life!!
I decided to pre-schedule this post because I am not going to be sitting on the computer at midnight. But I am sure that Facebook and Twitter are flooded right now with Happy New Years wishes! So I am sitting here watching Twilight Zone, sipping on some Pepsi, thinking about what tomorrow will bring! But anyway, I wish you all health, blessings, and a revelation of God's love for 2012. What do you expect from this New Year? I hope you thought about what you want, and what you do not want, and I hope that you are prepared to WORK FOR IT!
Be Blessed everyone!
Happy New Year!
Smooches!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

Love Better In 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Hey there Neighbors!!!!

It is almost time to ring in a New Year and for some this could be relationship hell. So I have a guest poster, Erica St. Claire who will talk to you about how to strengthen your relationships for 2012! (I personally am single but it is still an awesome read!) ENJOY!!

Relationship Resolutions for 2012

With Christmas behind us, the New Year is almost here bringing with it a time for wiping our slates clean and getting excited for what a brand new 365 days has in store. So while brainstorming resolutions that will make for a healthy and prosperous 2012, why not ditch your usual plans to go to the gym, eat more vegetables, and save your pennies (let’s get real, these plans come with good intentions but never stick past the second week in January anyways) and instead resolve to expend your energy on improving your relationship!

So put on your most festive attire, grab a glass of champagne, and as you countdown to sharing the first kiss of the New Year with your other half at the stroke of midnight, be sure to make the following relationship resolutions guaranteed to deliver you your happiest year yet:

Resolution #1: Communicate better. It’s no surprise that the key to any successful relationship is communication. So if you’re the type who tends to close up and build a fortress around your emotions when times get tough, say goodbye to your old ways. Talk openly and clearly with your partner about whatever is bothering you. This will help them understand what you’re feeling and will put an end to disagreements faster… which will in turn strengthen the bond the two of you share.

Resolution #2: Spend more time together. In this day in age with schedules revolving around work, school, hobbies and never-ending to-do lists, it can be difficult to find the time for your significant other. This year, make it a point to take your relationship off the back-burner and put it at the top of your priorities. Plan at least one night a week that is dedicated to spending quality time with one another—whether the two of you make reservations at the hottest restaurant in town, go bowling, or even just spend a night in cooking and watching a movie, the time spent with one another will be special and a much needed break from your hectic worlds.

Resolution #3: Be trusting. At times it can be difficult not to let the jealous feelings get the best of you, but if your partner has never dishonored your trust before, then there is no reason not to give it to them now. Anytime those untrusting feelings come sneaking up, remind yourself to relax, take a breather, and make a conscious effort to focus your thoughts elsewhere. Without trust, what good is it to carry on dating that person?

Resolution #4: Try new things. If you find yourselves getting bored in the same old routine, 2012 is the year to mix it up! Search your area for art classes, cooking lessons, go rock-climbing, or even explore local museums. When you try new things and share experiences like these with your partner, you will be making memories and building your connection by way of learning something new together.

Resolution #5: Let go of the past. When you hold onto exes or problems from previous relationships, you are doing nothing but hindering the relationship you are in now and being unfair to your new boyfriend or girlfriend. Make a resolution to forget about your exes—they are exes for a reason. Don’t harp on what could’ve been or what you could’ve done differently—instead, look at your past as a learning experience so that you can move forward with those lessons and embrace new beginnings with your partner in the New Year.

Resolution #6: Be positive. Nothing is more unattractive than negativity. For that reason, try your best to maintain a positive outlook not only on love, but on life in general. Every couple faces their hardships, but during these times it is more important than ever to reflect on the positive parts of your relationship and what you love about your partner. Focus on what the two of you do right in your partnership and do more of whatever that may be. Remember, positivity attracts positivity.

Resolution #7: Love honestly. It’s a given that honesty is an integral part of any healthy romantic bond between a man and a woman—but sometimes people forget the importance of being honest with themselves. No matter how bad you may think you want the relationship to work, if your gut is telling you something isn’t right and he isn’t “the one,” don’t ignore that intuition. You owe it to yourself and you owe it to the other person to be truthful about your feelings. If it isn’t meant to be, bow out with honesty and keep your heart open to finding love again.

Guest post author, Erica St. Claire, is a relationship expert who enjoys writing about dating and romance. In addition, Erica also spends her free time contributing to Best Catholic Dating Sites where she educates singles on the importance of safe internet dating.

Hope you enjoyed Erica's insight and tips!
Smooches!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

Resolutions, NO! Plans, YES!

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:29:00 +0000

The New Year is upon us. Yes we are two days away from welcoming in a New Year. 2012 promises to be a year of new beginnings, of awakening, of empowerment, of no more business as usual. 2012 will be a year of doing things differently! A year of NOT waiting for things to happen but of MAKING things happen! And this is all just in my own life!

See, I am not big on resolutions because frankly once you make them you are pretty much destined to break them. If you are making major changes in your life (or minor changes) why would you wait until the beginning of a New Year to put your plans into action?? It is totally unrealistic and absolutely asinine to think that you can only make changes to your life one time a year and that would be on January first! Suppose mid-July you decide to return to school, or start a business, or learn a foreign language? Do you have to wait until January first to do it?? NO! So then why the big issue of writing some New Years resolutions??
What I will tell you is that as you sit and think about what you have done, and have accomplished, now may be a good time think about what you would like to do and would like to accomplish next. As you are thinking about your next moves and goals you may want to start planning your route of attack. Plan what you are going to do and how you are going to do it. Because sitting and dreaming and doing nothing is a waste of time, energy, and brain power! If you have dreamed the same dream for years or say to yourself, "I have wanted to do that all my life" and you are still not doing it, than you need to RE-EVALUATE your priorities, GET OFF your butt and MAKE IT HAPPEN!
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" -Albert Einstein
Write your plan, make it plain, and then PUT IT INTO ACTION. But please think it through first, write it down. An effective plan goes a long way. The bible says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he who keeps the law -- blessed is he" (Proverbs 29:18, Amplified). So get your vision (PLAN), write it down, and then put it into action (DO IT!). DO NOT waste another year, just sitting around and THINKING about what you are going to do ONE DAY! Make THIS your BREAK THROUGH year! Break through barriers, Break through problems, Break through finances, Break through doubt, Break through opposition, Break through stagnation! JUST DO IT!
"Be great in act, as you have been in thought. - William Shakespeare. So do not just talk about it or think about BE ABOUT IT! Or as my Mother and Grand-Mother used to say PISS OR GET OFF THE POT!
As we end 2011, do not meditate on the what ifs, what could haves, or what should haves, FOCUS on the WHAT'S NEXT!
And as 2012 begins, so should you!

Smooches!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 12

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoyed these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you missed a few posts, I hope you'll be able go back through and read them on this blog over the next few days. If you'd like to keep up with Pearl Girls and our new book project, Mother of Pearl, coming this spring, just click this link and sign up for our newsletter (lower left sidebar).

Also, just a reminder that today is the last day for the pearl necklace and earrings giveaway! Enter now by filling out this {form}. The winner will on 1/1 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Jesus -- The Reason For the Season

By: Rachel Hauck

Through the narrow scope of 2000 years, Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears to be one lucky woman. Chosen by God to give birth to His son, the Savior of the world? All right, Mary, way to go.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,” Gabriel said.

How many of us would like a declaration like that? Highly favored. The Lord is with you. But Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

The angel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Mary’s seems confident and resolved when she responds, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

She’d just been told the Holy Spirit will come upon her, that God’s power will overshadow her, that she’d become with child even though she wasn’t married, and she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let your words be true.”

I find this amazing! A young woman. Ancient Bethlehem. Unwed mother. They stoned women for such things in her day. But Mary believed in God. And submitted to His will. He gave her the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit given to us. If He gave her confidence, He will give us confidence. Even though, like Mary, our situation seems impossible.

Listen to Mary’s song later on in the first chapter of Luke.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me Holy is his name…”

Conceiving a child out of wedlock, by Divine intervention. Not a girl’s every day existence. Yet she had a Yes in her heart to God. She rejoiced. She boldly said, “Generations will remember me!”

How we struggle to trust God with our children. Our finances. Our emotional well-being. We worry. We fret. And wonder why we have no peace.

Christmas is the season where words like joy, peace and love are bantered around like Christmas candy. Let’s not take them as just words, but as truth. Let’s be like Mary and embrace God’s favor on our lives. Boldly declare "He’s done great things for me!”

Out of the grit of our own souls, we can reach His heart, and feel Him reaching for ours. No matter the pain of our past, present or future, God is there for us. He is able. Best of all, He is willing. “My soul glorifies the Lord this Christmas!”

***

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, best selling author who believes God has done great things for her. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and ornery pets. Her next release is Love Lifted Me with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, January 2012. Then in April, look for The Wedding Dress. www.rachelhauck.com.

That is the end of the 12 Pearls of Christmas! I pray that you found something in these 12 days to inspire and motivate you! Did you enter the pearl giveaway?

Merry Christmas!

Smooches!

Regina

Please visit my other spots:

http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/

http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 11

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Panhandler's Breath

By Robin Dance

He slipped in sideways between the closing elevator doors, as if he were late to a meeting; he pressed the "5" without looking. Instead of suit and tie, though, baggy pants and faded navy hung on his tall, slim frame...and his stealth entry stiffened the hairs on the back of my neck.

I had noticed him a few seconds earlier, just after we had parted a sea of clamorous teens. He was smiling, grandfatherly, standing maybe 30 feet away where the electric shuttle picks up.

I had no idea he had been watching us, studying us, predator patiently awaiting his next prey.

The four of us were sealed in a four- by six-foot metal tomb. Tomb--that thought really scampered across my mind. I wondered if he had a knife in his pocket. I wanted to protect my son. Fight or flight pumped adrenaline but there was no where to run.

Extreme and ridiculous, these thoughts - and more - flashed through my mind. The Stranger began speaking.

"Yessir, I see you're a family man with your wife and your son here..." and he nodded in my and my son’s direction.

"...you see I'm homeless and all I've got..." and on queue, he reached into his left pocket and pulled out two old pennies blackened with age. Two cents to his name?! It was all too contrived, too practiced, and I didn't believe a word he was saying.

It was then I smelled it ~ the small space lent itself to that ~ and I doubted my doubt.

His breath.

It wasn't the scent of alcohol. His eyes weren't red, his voice didn't waver; his wizened face matched his graying hair.

His breath was morning's, zoo breath, the pet name I'd given to the scent inhaled when kissing my children awake when they were little.

He needed to brush his teeth. I wondered how long it had been since he brushed his teeth.

The elevator door opened and I handed him my leftover pizza as my son and I brushed past him. My husband handed him a bill and the Stranger thanked and God blessed him.

The elevator door closed behind us. Conflicted, I was relieved.

We got in the car and blurted first reaction--

"I didn't believe a word he said."

"That made me nervous."

"I wonder if he'll really eat the pizza."

In the quiet, we were left to our own thoughts, contemplating the right thing to do. At the end of the day, this is what I decided: It doesn't matter whether or not his story is true; for an old man to resort to begging, he has to be desperate. The money my husband gave him will never be missed. It was a reminder we've been entrusted with much and given much. Materially, yes, but more so spiritually. Loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed, graced, lavished--every spiritual blessing. E v e r y.

There's a part of me that wishes I would have been brave enough to ask the man his story, made sure he knew he was loved...and bought him a tooth brush.

Later, it occurred to me he could have been an angel. Doesn’t that mean generosity, kindness and hospitality is always the right response? Then it's not about you or the stranger or the circumstance, it's about a simple, God-glorifying response.

Had we entertained an angel unaware? We'll never know.

But it wouldn't be the first time the Breath of Heaven smelled like a zoo.

***

In a decades-old, scandalous affair with her husband, Robin also confesses mad crushes on her three teens. As Southern as sugar-shocked tea, she’s a recovering people pleaser who advocates talking to strangers. A memoirist, Compassion International Blogger, and Maker-upper of words, Robin writes for her own site, PENSIEVE, and also for (in)courage by DaySpring (a subsidiary of Hallmark) and Simple Mom. She loves to get to know readers through their blog comments and on Twitter and Pinterest. www.pensieve.me .

Tomorrow is the last day! Do not miss this!

Smooches,

Regina

Please visit my other spots:

http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/

http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Inside Out Christmas

by Debora M. Coty

My veterinarian friend, Dr. Katie, tells the story about the December when a woman brought a very sick black lab into her clinic. The dog was only ten months old, so she was really just a big puppy, but she’d been vomiting incessantly and her worried owner didn’t know what was wrong.

“Why don’t you go on home?” Dr. Katie told the owner. “I’ll need to run tests for about four hours. We’ll give you a call when we’re finished.”

Dr. Katie’s assistant took x-rays and hung them on the light panel for Dr. Katie to examine. Hmm. Something looked a little peculiar. Dr. Katie called her assistant over.

“Is it just me, or does that look like a … a camel to you?” she asked incredulously.

“Matter of fact, it does,” replied the astute assistant. “And look, there’s an angel here, a shepherd there, and down there in the colon, it’s Baby Jesus!”

At that moment the phone rang. It was the dog’s distraught owner. “I can’t believe this! I just got home and glanced at the coffee table where I put my manger scene yesterday. There’s nothing there but an empty stable!”

As I thought about this quite literal technique for internalizing the true meaning of Christmas, it occurred to me that sometimes I have the opposite problem. With all the bustling busyness, my inner joy in celebration of my savior’s birth never really makes it to the outside.

Oh, I have plenty of glittery, festive evidences of the holiday in decorations, baking galore, and gifts under my tree. But those things are for show. They’re merely the pretty wrappings, not the gift itself.

Can people really see the core-deep joy that radiates within me when I think of the true gift that Papa God sent the world in his son, Jesus? Is my immeasurable gratitude for eternal life evident as I dash through this hectic season?

I’m afraid all too often, the answer is no.

I’m just too preoccupied to allow my outside to reflect my inside so that nonbelievers recognize that I rejoice because of the hope that is within me. My joy is obscured by the mounds of clutter. Gratefulness is sucked out of my soul by the vacuum called urgency.

“But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy” (Psalm 68:3, NLT).

This verse has become my prayer this Christmas season – that I would make the time to give priority to rejoicing, being glad in God’s presence, and letting my inner joy show for those who may be silently desperate to know the giver of true joy.

Yep, there’s a better way to internalize the gift of Christmas than the black lab technique. We can lodge the Little Lord Jesus in our hearts rather than our colons.

***

Debora M. Coty is a humorist, inspirational speaker, and award-winning author of twelve books, including Too Blessed to be Stressed, and coming in March, More Beauty, Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre. Debora would love to swap Christmas hugs with you at www.DeboraCoty.com.

Come back for day 11!

Smooches,

Regina

Please visit my other spots:

http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/

http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

Did Betty Crocker Have Cabin Fever Too?

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 04:48:00 +0000

Two more days before Christmas. Are you ready? I am as ready as I am going to be! I think I am experiencing a form of cabin fever. I am used to doing school work at least 5 days a week. 1500-2500 word papers, presentations, summaries, and more. However I am on a 2 week break from school. I know that not being actively in class, working towards completing my degree is causing my jittery feelings. School work is currently a huge part of my life right now. I know what to do for it but I can actually do nothing until after the New Year. I have been in school at University of Phoenix for three and a half years and this is the first time that I had a school break. I am only 4 days into my 2 week break and I hate it! I want to be done with school and move on to the next phase of my life! Have you ever been so close to something but it is juuuussssssssssttt out of reach. I can almost smell the ink on my degree drying as I type this. And before you start quoting scripture at me, thank you but I already know the one you are thinking! Philippians 4:6 says, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Yes, thank you and Amen. I have made my request known to God which is how I ended up going back to school in the first place. I am just very impatient about finishing. Seven months is a long time even if it is only 6 more classes. So anyway! I decided that I needed a little extra-curricular activity. I realize that SEX is not an option so, yep, that means I decided to do some baking! I think I should inform you that I actually HATE baking (but I love sex, what a conundrum)!
Anyway, I made a cake with cream cheese frosting, topped with red and green sugar. But that was not all! I also made two coconut pies! OMG! I NEED this break to come on and be over before I start knitting or something! UGH! Hmm, I wonder if Betty Crocker had cabin fever too? THAT would explain a lot! Wonder what I should bake tomorrow?......

Christmas cake

Coconut pies before baking

Coconut pies after baking

Smooches!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 9

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:01:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

***

Simple or Sparkle?

by Tracey Eyster

It’s a simple ornament made of thin cheap metal and it looks quite out of place on our CHRISTmas tree. But each year I lovingly and safely nestle it amongst its expensive and sparkly peers, without a care as to how unglamorous it appears.

Many of our CHRISTmas ornaments have a story and an uncanny way of welling up emotion in me, but this certain one causes an intense stir.

You see the ornament is engraved with the name of my grandmother, Sara, and was given to me by my mother, who ordered it from Hospice, after Grandmama’s death. Yes, the months leading up to her death carry memories of a frail and failing grandmama, but that ornament carries my thoughts to sweet CHRISTmas memories of the past.

CHRISTmas Eve dinners in her home, laughing, singing, gathering and celebrating a year filled with blessings as we remembered the birth of our Savior. CHRISTmas mornings, she was always there participating with glee, in our raucous CHRISTmas happiness. Her gifts were always bank envelopes gently tucked into the pine needles of our CHRISTmas tree, fresh cut from the property she grew up on.

All memories of my Grandmama make my heart swell. You see she was my Jesus with skin on. She lived her life full of joy, serving others and approached life selflessly with an attitude of, “What can I do for you?”

Just months before she left us, even as the Alzheimer’s was robbing her mind she shared her love of Jesus with a sweet little old lady friend, who came to know the Lord – a divine appointment. The very next day that little old lady silently slipped away to meet in person the One Sara introduced her to just the day before.

At the time I wept, realizing that regardless of our own frailties and failings, God can still use those of us who are willing to do His work and are well practiced at hearing His voice...no matter our lack of sparkle in comparison to others.

A simple life lived for Him, a simple ornament in memory of Sara...a simple truth for you to ponder.

***

Tracey Eyster wife, mom, relationship gatherer and Creator/Editor of FamilyLife’s MomLife Today is a media savvy mom making a difference where moms are, on-line. Through speaking, writing and video interviews Tracey is passionate about encouraging, equipping and advising moms on every facet of momlife. Her first book, Be The Mom will be released August 2012. You can connect with Tracey at www.momlifetoday.com, her personal site www.traceyster.com or www.twitter/momblog.com.

Please visit my other spots:http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 8

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

***

Enjoy the Ride!

Susan May Warren

We sit poised on the top of a cliff, a near drop off before us, that falls to a rushing river. In the middle, a bridge of snow and ice hints at our destination. My husband guns the snowmobile engine. “Ready?”

Ready? For a face plant into a tree, maybe reconstructive surgery? To feel my stomach ripped from my body as we plummet down the mountain? Let’s do it!

We live on five acres of woods in northern Minnesota that butts up to a national forest. Hence, our backyard is about a hundred thousand acres. Aside from harboring deer, lynx, fox, cougar and bear, it also makes excellent snowmobile terrain. And not long ago, Mrs. Claus gave her Santa a snowmobile for two.

I love snowmobiling. Flying over the snow, catching air over drifts. I love to drive, to be at the helm of the beast as I weave around trees and over hill and dale, my husband sitting behind me. I also love riding behind my husband as he drives, feeling those powerful arms as he’s muscling the snowmobile into the wilds. We follow unknown trails, driven by a Magellan spirit, hoping that we have enough gas to get us back to civilization. I love hanging on, simply trusting him, knowing that wherever he’s taking me, he’s going first.

But there are times, when I see where he’s taking me, and I just have to bury my head in his back. Like straight down a cliff.

However, my heart cheers, despite the terror as we gun it down the hill, over the river, up the opposite side. And, if we hadn’t let ourselves go, we would have never discovered the beauty of a winter river, a hidden jewel buried deep in the forest. Nor the exhilaration of facing the challenge together.

Further on, we find an enchanted forest of towering white pine. Catch a view of Lake Superior, discover an old cabin in the woods.

It occurs to me that snowmobiling is much like my spiritual life. Occasionally, I drive, and it’s me setting our course, weaving through the trees, getting us hopelessly lost. But when God takes the “wheel” and I hang on, trusting Him for the speed and destination, I see the scenery. I trust him to keep me safe. I trust him to bring me home, where there is an eternal supply of hot chocolate.

As Christmas season becomes more hectic, what if I let God drive? Maybe everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and maybe I don’t have to control every tradition, every holiday nuance. What if I just held on for the ride?

I’ll bet I’ll still get there, and I might even enjoy the scenery along the way.

How have you let go, and “enjoyed” the scenery of this hectic, exhilarating Christmas season?

Merry Christmas!

***

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Come back tomorrow for day 9!

Smooches!

Regina

Please visit my other spots:http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

Tree Fabulous Tree!

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:54:00 +0000

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We finally got our tree up last week. I usually do not wait this long to put it up but this has been a very strange year and everyone has been stretched, physically, mentally, and financially. I went to the Kroger store numerous times and saw the line of Christmas trees sitting outside the store waiting for me to buy one. I even checked the prices a few time, $24.99 and 29.99. Not bad prices, not bad at all! But every time I looked at those tags and then looked in my pocket and then looked at my shopping list..... well the tree just did not make the cut! But in the back of my mind I knew that we had to get a tree for my grand baby. He just turned 2 in November so this is the first Christmas he can actually help put somethings on the tree!
As the days passed by I saw the crowd of trees getting lower and lower. I do not gamble but in my mind I was playing a betting game which included lowering prices and lowering supply. I figured if we wait long enough we could get a tree at a reduced price! One day there was 50 trees, than 20, then 9, then the store was down to 4 trees. I knew that once that last tree sold the store of course would not get any more so we made the decision to buy, buy, buy! And wouldn't you know it... We hit pay dirt! Well it was not like winning the lottery or anything ... even though that would have been nice! But I do like a bargain and when the store was down to 4 trees, the store was also getting rid of Christmas stuff at 50% off! So we bought our tree, we also got 2 strands of beads, and 2 boxes of white lights all for less than $20!!!! Oh Yea! Keep in mind that the tree itself was supposed to be $24.99!!! So yes we are happy! Grand baby got to help hang some of the ornaments and he had fun taking the tinsel OFF the tree and putting it on the floor! But at the end of the day it is FABULOUS!

Smooches!!!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 7

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future

by Tricia Goyer

Have you ever thought about family traditions? As I helped my 1-year-old place ornaments on the Christmas tree this year I imagined her doing the same thing with her children—and maybe even grandchildren—one day. Traditions are beliefs and customs handed down through generations. By sharing meaningful moments with your kids you're sending yourself into the future. How amazing is that?

Sharing family traditions cause us to slow down from the busy, adult world for a while. We ignore the laundry to set out the nativity set with our kids. We set aside time in our schedules to drive around and look at Christmas lights.

Holiday traditions aren't only fun, they also help strength family bonds. Through traditions kids trust in the security of family unit. They think, “This is our family and this is what I do.” Of course, the most important thing to share isn't just what we do ... but why. Why do we put out a nativity? To remind us the real meaning of the season—Jesus coming to earth. What do the Christmas lights represent displayed on homes and on trees? They represent the Light of the World, Jesus.

Using traditions to bond our families and share our faith isn't new. I love these two Scriptures that talk about that very thing.

Exodus 12:25 says, “When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony.”

Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

What are you're traditions? Here are a few of ours:

Baking a Birthday cake for Jesus

Buying a new ornament every year for each child

Acting out the Christmas story (with props!)

Praying together before opening presents

What are your traditions? Write a list and appreciate them in a new way this year. Then ask, “If I could add one new tradition this holiday season, what would it be?” I'd love to hear what you choose! It also makes me smile to think of your children's grandchildren doing the same.

***

Tricia Goyer is a CBA best-selling author and the winner of two American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Awards (Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights). She co-wrote 3:16 Teen Edition with Max Lucado and contributed to the Women of Faith Study Bible. Also a noted marriage and parenting writer, she lives with her husband and children in Arkansas. www.triciagoyer.com

Come back tomorrow for day #8!

Smooches,

Regina

Please visit my other spots:

http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/

http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 6

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to 12 Pearls of Christmas

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Let The Baby Grow Up This Christmas

By Shellie Tomlinson

When I was a little girl, Christmas seemed to take forever to make its way back to our little house on the end of a dirt road called Bull Run in northeast Louisiana. We kids started counting down the days before the leaves ever began turning. Sure, the adults said it came once a year but I wasn't so sure. Once Santa Claus left our humble abode it seemed like light years before he found his way back to the Delta.

That was a child's perspective. I imagine it hasn't changed all that much for today's kids. On the other hand, I'm operating under a completely different time frame these days. It seems like it was just yesterday when I pulled the boxes down from the attic and began pulling out the nativity scene, the miniature lights, and the keepsake ornaments. And now, just that fast-- Christmas Day is right around the corner. Soon the tree will be striped naked and the piled up presents will all be distributed. After a few more day it'll be hard to remember who got what from whom, and once again, I'll start packing all the decorations away for another year.

I was thinking about how bare and cold the house always looks after the holidays when I realized that, sadly, this scene would play itself out in many hearts as well. A lot of people will have had expectations that weren't filled and many of those same souls will be left with hurts that don't seem to heal. Unless this year is remarkably different from past seasons, my bet is, the New Year will bring magazines full of articles on combating depression and the talk shows will have experts on offering ways to fill the long days ahead and cure the winter blues.

I'm no expert, dear readers, but I'd like to offer you a suggestion that will go far beyond the creature comforts of a nice warm bath or a delicious bowl of hot soup. Your heart doesn't have to be bare and naked after the holidays. Do you want to know the real secret? It's simple, really. Don't pack up Christ with Christmas! As beautiful and special as the Christmas story is, it's only a part of heaven's miracle. The Christ child grew into a man and the man became a Savior.

This year, may we be determined to let the babe from Bethlehem live on in our hearts. If we'll allow Him to become the Messiah He was born to be, the joy of Christmas can be ours all year long.

***

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is an author, speaker, and radio host from Louisiana. Her latest release Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy was endorsed by Jeff Foxworthy as "laugh out loud funny!" You can find Shellie's weekly southern features, podcasts, video chats and more at http://www.allthingssouthern.com/ Make sure to get by the blog and read about the Super Christmas Giveaway Shellie is hosting for her readers and secure your chance to win a Mort Kunstler print valued between $700 and $1400. www.allthingssouthern.com

Come back tomorrow for day 7!

Smooches,

Regina

Please visit my other spots:

http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/

http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls Of Christmas - Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Snowflake Party

By Deborah Raney

The first snow of winter hasn’t fallen yet, but in our kitchen tonight we’re doing a pretty good imitation. The whole family is circled around the huge old oak table. The snip, snip, snip of scissors is background music as tiny scraps of white paper float down, making our floor look like a giant brownie sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Tonight has turned out to be the night for our annual Snowflake Party, a tradition that began when our children were toddlers. There has never been a date blocked out in red on our calendar, but one day we wake up and the brisk autumn air has turned bitter cold. Naked tree branches trace their stark calligraphy on a dull grey sky and we need a taste of the joyful promises of Christmas and snow. It’s the perfect time for a party.

On such a day, one of the kids will fly in the back door, fresh home from school, and declare “Hey, Mom! Tonight would be a good night for the Snowflake Party!” First we round up every pair of scissors in the house. This is one time when sharing is not a virtue. While the kids search for scissors, I cut white paper into squares and fold them caddy-corner multiple times. The resulting triangles are artfully arranged in a basket, awaiting the beginning of the party.

Later, while the supper dishes dry on the counter, I recruit a volunteer to help me stir up a big pot of hot cocoa. For the next hour it will warm on the back burner, tantalizing us with its aroma.

Now the fun begins with careful cutting and snipping, shaping plain white paper into intricate works of art. Each snowflake we create seems as unique and spectacular as the genuine variety created by God himself. As each masterpiece is unfolded, collective oohs and aahs go up.

When the last dregs of our creative juices are drained, Dad oversees the vacuum patrol while I pour cocoa into generous mugs. We spread our handiwork on the floor around us and sit, quietly admiring our work while we dunk marshmallows and sip rich chocolate.

With empty mugs piled up in the sink, it’s time for the judging to begin. There will be awards for ‘prettiest’, ‘most unusual’, and as many other categories as we need for everyone to be a winner. Dad is the judge because he studied art in college. He also usually wins one of the top prizes––because he studied art in college.

Snowflakes deemed runners-up might be pasted in scrapbooks or hung on the refrigerator. A few even “melt” into the trash that very night. But the winners are taped proudly to the picture windows in the living room for passersby to enjoy while they long for the day when genuine snowflakes will color the world clean and white.

Our oldest daughter went away to college last September. She called just after Thanksgiving to tell me that her dorm window was covered with snowflakes. No, not the real thing, but the ones she remembers from her childhood––paper ones that she spent an entire evening cutting and snipping while sipping hot cocoa.

That’s the neat thing about traditions: They go with us no matter how far from home we travel.

***

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Her books have since won the RITA Award, ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. After All, third in her Hanover Falls Novels series will release next spring from Howard/Simon & Schuster. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. Their four children are grown now and having snowflake parties with their own children––and they all live much too far away. Visit Deb on the web at www.deborahraney.com.

Come back tomorrow for day 6!

Smooches!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls Of Christmas - Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Why I Decorate for Christmas

By Elizabeth Goldsmith Musser

An old cassette tape of Christmas carols—received in a package twenty years ago when we had first arrived in France as missionaries—fills our den with delightful piano music as I place one more ornament on the already over-laden Christmas tree. This one is a little white wooden rabbit with pink ears that move back and forth. It actually doesn’t look much like a Christmas ornament, but I bought it for our baby Andrew when my husband Paul was in seminary, and I was working for less than minimum wage in the library. This ornament was literally all I could afford.

As I hang it on the tree today, I get goose bumps and then a rush of warmth. And that’s why I decorate for Christmas. Not to impress but to remember. I remember those lean, lean years, and God’s faithful provision for us.

There are the cross-stitched ornaments I made our first year in Montpellier—for the boys (for by now we had two sons) and Paul and me. How I ever had time to do that, I don’t know. I remember our puny little tree—the kind they sold in France back then—in a pot so that it could be replanted later. We perched that tiny tree on a small table out of baby Christopher’s reach. I guess I watered it too much, because about halfway through December, it started smelling and then stinking, and it rotted there on Christmas Day!

I smile with these memories.

I look at the other ornaments on the tree. Many were purchased—one for each boy—when we attended conferences around Europe, and that makes me smile too. Getting to travel on a missionary’s budget to exotic places! There are the waxed red bear and red baby carriage from Wales, the brightly painted clay sun and moon from Portugal, the blue and white porcelain windmill and wooden shoes from Holland, the hand-blown glass Snoopys sitting on gondolas from Venice, and the delicately decorated eggs from Prague.

Other ornaments include the little pinkish shiny ball ornament with Paul’s name written in glitter—I think he made it when he was about six , and the little red velvet bows, bought at Michael’s after Christmas one year for a dollar. They bring a unifying theme to the tree. I say this, smiling, because our tree is, and has always been throughout the years, a hodge-podge of our life. And I like it that way. I don’t think I could ever have a ‘theme’ tree. Mine is a ‘memory’ tree.

The music plays softly in the background and I smile through tears, remembering God’s incredible faithfulness to call and keep us here in France for so many years. Heart-breakingly hard years, overwhelmingly joyful years—the same years, the same amazing God, our keeper.

Before we left for the mission field, I memorized Psalm 121 in English and in French, and over the years I have held on tight to those last beautiful words of the psalm: The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. (NASB)

Of course He will. He is God with us.

We decorate to remember Christmases past, our lives, our legacy, and mostly, for those of us who have embraced Christ, we decorate to honor and praise Him for coming to us—Emmanuel! We make our homes ready to receive the Christ Child, with soft music and candles burning and the sweet flickering of angel wings on an over-laden evergreen.

***

ELIZABETH GOLDSMITH MUSSER, an Atlanta native and the bestselling author of The Swan House, is a novelist who writes what she calls ‘entertainment with a soul.’ For over twenty years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions work with International Teams. They presently live near Lyon, France. The Mussers have two sons and a daughter-in-law. The Sweetest Thing (Bethany House, 2011) is Elizabeth’s eighth novel. To learn more about Elizabeth and her books, and to find discussion questions as well as photos of sites mentioned in the stories, please visit www.elizabethmusser.com and her Facebook Fan Page.

Come back tomorrow for day 5!

Smooches!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls Of Christmas - Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Where is Comfort and Joy Found?

By Sandy Ralya

The year 2006 ushered unwelcome emotions into my life. My husband was unhappy in his job, two of my grown children were making poor choices, my mother-in-law was showing signs of Alzheimer’s, extended-family issues were surfacing, and I was writing a book. Things only got worse. Much worse.

Early in 2007, I was asked to represent the mentoring ministry for wives I founded, Beautiful Womanhood, and lead a women’s conference in Uganda, Africa. My husband wasn’t sure if traveling to Africa was a good idea, so we committed it to prayer. While we were listening for an answer, I sensed God asking me to fast from spending, except for groceries, for thirty days. Sometimes you know that you’ve heard God’s voice because you’d never have come up with those words on your own. This was one of those times. I’d never heard of a fast from spending. Tom needed no convincing that a fast from spending came directly from the mouth of God. He still gets excited just thinking about it!

During the fast, it became clear I had used spending as a way to gain a comfort fix. When I was spending money, I felt carefree and lighthearted. Instead of dwelling on the unpleasantness in my life, I was thinking of my purchases and how they would bring me pleasure. Not until I stopped spending did I realize how short-lived the fix really was. During the fast, when I felt the urge to spend—to anesthetize my pain—I pictured myself running into the arms of Jesus, the Great Comforter. Oh, what comfort I received!

One night, I told good friends my experience of gaining comfort through the power of the Holy Spirit rather than money. I exclaimed that I had never felt so comforted. One friend then told us about a dream he’d had shortly after hearing about the invitation from Uganda. After the dream, he had awoken and recorded the following thoughts:

“. . . this is for Sandy. Christ’s redemption of women is beautiful. Beautiful Womanhood is a result of redemptive wholeness. The visuals the ministry uses on the books, etc., are like a piece of beautifully veneered furniture. There is something going on with the ministry to the brokenness of abused women. In Uganda, there are hurting, abused women, and something is connecting their need and Beautiful Womanhood. Though there is nothing wrong with veneer, it is only the topping—the covering, and without good structure it is shallow and will not hold up. It is time to add a new depth to the ministry.”

Then these verses came to my friend’s mind:

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NL

When my friend was finished sharing, everyone in the room broke down in tears, praising God for His work in my life. I’d learned to listen and God had spoken. I’d obeyed, and He’d acted. When He acted, I was changed.

Needless to say, I packed my bags and experienced some of the best days of my life in Uganda—offering God’s comfort to His troubled women.

***

Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980 and live near Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have three adult children and a growing number of grandchildren. When not writing and speaking, Sandy enjoys shopping at yard sales for vintage clothing, cooking, travelling, and drinking really good coffee (black is best) with her husband. For more information, contact Sandy at sandy@beautifulwomanhood.com. Subscribe to Sandy’s blog at www.beautifulwomanhood.com/blog. Find Sandy on Facebook at Beautiful Womanhood. Follow Sandy on Twitter @MentoringWives.

Come back tomorrow for day 4!

Smooches!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls Of Christmas - Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Advent By Sibella Giorello

Consider the bride's walk down the aisle. We all know where that woman in the white is going but somehow waiting for her to arrive at the altar is an essential part of the ceremony. In fact, the waiting is so essential that even cheapskate Vegas chapels include wedding marches.

Why?

Because the wait adds meaning to the moment.

At Christmas time, we tend to forget this essential truth about anticipation. We're lost to shopping malls and checklists, rushing toward December 25th so quickly that we forget the quiet joy of the month's other 24 days -- and then we wonder why we feel so empty on the 26th, amid ribbons and wrapping paper and our best intentions.

Because the wait adds meaning to the moment.

And that is why Advent is so important to Christmas.

I'm as guilty as the next harried person. This Advent was particularly tricky because just six hours before it started, I was still trying to finish a 110,000-word novel that was written over the course of the year -- written while homeschooling my kids, keeping my hubby happy, and generally making sure the house didn't fall down around us.

It's an understatement to say my free time is limited. But waiting adds meaning, and Advent is crucial to Christmas, so I've devised several Advent traditions that are simple, powerful and easy to keep even amid the seasonal rush.

When my kids outgrew the simple Advent calendars around age 7, I stole an idea from my writer friend Shelly Ngo (as T.S. Eliot said, "Mediocre writers borrow. Great writers steal." Indulge me.)

Here's how it goes: Find 24 great Christmas books, wrap them individually and place then under the tree. On the first day of Advent, take turns picking which book to open. When we did this, we would cuddle under a blanket and read aloud -- oh, the wonder, the magic! We savored "The Polar Express," howled with "How Murray Saved Christmas," and fell silent at the end of "The Tale of The Three Trees" (note: some of the picture books I chose were not explicitly about Christmas but they always echoed the message that Jesus came to earth to save us from ourselves and to love us beyond our wildest imagination. In that category, Angela Hunt's retelling of The Three Trees definitely hits the Yuletide bull's eye).

This Advent tradition lasted for about five years. It gave us rich daily discussions about the season's real meaning, without being religious or legalistic, and it increased family couch time. But like the lift-the-flap calendars, my kids outgrew the picture books.

Because the wait adds meaning, and Advent is crucial, I prayed for another way to celebrate anticipation of Christmas. By the grace of God, last year I found an enormous Advent calendar on clearance at Pottery Barn. Made of burlap, it has large pockets big enough to hold some serious bounty.

But my husband and I didn't want the kids focusing only on the materialist stuff for Advent -- we already fight that on Christmas day. We decided to fill the daily pockets with simple necessities and small gift cards. We also printed out the nativity story from Luke 2:1-21 in a large-sized font and cut each verse out. From Day 1 to Day 21, there is one verse to read aloud. The kids memorize it, then get to open their present (again, on alternating days for each person). Then we tape the verse to the wall in order. By Day 22, all the verses are on the wall, in order, and the kids now try to recite the entire nativity story from memory. That's not as difficult as it sounds because they've been memorizing one verse each day. Still, the entire recitation -- verbatim -- usually requires Day 23 and Day 24. Whoever does memorize the entire thing -- without mistakes -- earns a bonus gift of $25.

Does that sounds extravagant?

It is.

Because we want our kids to understand that God came down and humbled himself and taught us about love right before He suffered and died on behalf of the undeserving -- which is every one of us.

"That's" extravagant.

And in the waiting, we find even more meaning.

***

Sibella Giorello writes the Raleigh Harmon mystery series which won the Christy Award with its first book "The Stones Cry Out." She lives in Washington state with her husband and children, and often wishes there were 36 hours in a day.

Come back tomorrow for day 3!

Smooches!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

12 Pearls Of Christmas - Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

A Christmas of Kindness

By Suzanne Woods Fisher

"You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving." Amish proverb

I do it every year.

I plan for a simpler, less stressful Christmas season and, every year, by Christmas Eve I'm exhausted! After our delicious and very-time-consuming-to-make traditional Swedish meal to honor my husband's relatives (think: Vikings), it's time to head to church. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but the last few Christmas Eve's, I have sent my husband and kids head off without me. The pull to spend an hour of quiet in the house feels as strong as a magnet.

It's odd. My children are young adults now. Wouldn't you think that Christmas would be simpler? Instead, it's just the opposite. Jugging schedules to share the grandbaby with the in-laws, trying to include our elderly parents at the best time of day for them, dancing carefully around recently divorced family members whose children are impacted by the shards of broken relationships.

The thing is: you can simplify your to-do list, but you can't really simplify people. We are just a complicated bunch.

Here's where I borrow a lesson about simplicity from the Amish. It's easy to get distracted with the buggies and the bonnets and the beards, but there's so much more to learn from these gentle people if you're willing to look a little deeper.

Yes, they live with less "stuff" and that does make for a simpler, less cluttered life. But it's the reason behind it that is so compelling to me: they seek to create margin in their life. Not just empty space but space that is available to nourish family, community, and faith. Their Christmas is far less elaborate than yours or mine, but what they do fill it with is oh so right.

Christmas comes quietly on an Amish farmhouse. There is no outward sign of the holiday as we know it: no bright decorations, no big tree in the living room corner. A few modest gifts are waiting for children at their breakfast place settings, covered by a dishtowel. Waiting first for Dad to read the story of Christ's birth from the book of Luke. Waiting until after a special breakfast has been enjoyed. Waiting until Mom and Dad give the signal that the time has come for gifts.

Later, if Christmas doesn't fall on a Sunday, extended family and friends will gather for another big meal. If time and weather permits, the late afternoon will be filled with ice skating or sledding. And more food! Always, always an abundance of good food. Faith, family, and community. That is the focus of an Amish Christmas.

And it's also how the story begins for A Lancaster County Christmas, as a young family prepares for Christmas. A winter storm blows a non-Amish couple, Jaime and C.J. Fitzpatrick, off-course and into the Riehl farmhouse. An unlikely and tentative friendship develops, until the one thing Mattie and Sol hold most dear disappears and then. Ah, but you'll just have to read the story to find out what happens next. Without giving anything away, I will say that I want to create a Mattie-inspired margin this Christmas season. Mattie knew inconveniences and interruptions that come in the form of people (big ones and little ones!) are ordained by God. And blessed by God.

Creating margin probably means that I won't get Christmas cards out until the end of January, and my house won't be uber-decorated. After all, something has to give. But it will mean I make time for a leisurely visit with my dad at his Alzheimer's facility. And time to volunteer in the church nursery for a holiday-crowded event. And time to invite a new neighbor over for coffee. Hopefully, it will mean that my energy won't get diverted by a frantic, self-imposed agenda. Only by God's agenda the essence of true simplicity.

And that includes taking time to worship Christ's coming at the Christmas Eve service. You can hold me accountable! This year, I will be there.

***

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, and The Keeper, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award nominee and is the host of an internet radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

Come back tomorrow for day 2!

Smooches!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:36:00 +0000

Christmas is the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR (that IS what the song says)! However due to Money problems, Stress, demanding family members, and commercialism for MANY Christmas is one of the most depressing times of the year.

Surviving Christmas

Hustle and bustle, Family, Friends, Gifts, Parties, and of course shopping! But please DO NOT forget what is at the heart of CHRISTmas. Christmas is a day for celebrating, honoring, and appreciating a Savior who was BORN TO DIE!

To keep you in the spirit of love during the Christmas holiday Regina's Family Seasons is participating in the "12 Pearls Of Christmas" blogging series. 12 days, 12 Women, and 12 stories of love and life!

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™

12 Pearls of Christmas blogging series!

We've gathered several of today's most beloved authors to share their Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"!

Please follow along beginning tomorrow (Wednesday the 14th) through Christmas day as Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Rachel Hauck, Sandy Ralya, Sibella Giorello, Susan May Warren and more, share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this most wonderful time of the year.

If you'd like to share the 12 Pearls of Christmas with your blog readers too, just email Christen and she'll send you the series.

AND of course there is a giveaway! Beginning tomorrow you and all your friends can enter to win a PEARL NECKLACE and EARRINGS valued at $450! The winner will be announced on New Year's Day! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all. ENTER HERE.

Enjoy & Be Blessed!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY To Our Little Princess

noreply@blogger.com (Regina) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:12:00 +0000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Little Princess!!!!
Today my first grandchild and only grand daughter is 5 years old!! My time has passed quickly! It does not seem like it has been five years, but alas on this day five years ago I got to witness one of the most horrifying yet exciting miracles of God. When people say it is a beautiful moment they are speaking metaphorically or symbolically because watching a baby actual emerge is definitely GROSS!
But I had the privilege and honor of being in the room when my grand baby made her entrance into this world. I also got to see the look on my son's face at that moment and it was magical! It is funny how things can change in a moment. While my then daughter in law was pushing this baby through the birth canal, my son and I were bouncing around the delivery room singing the chorus of Salt & Pepa's song "PUSH IT" but as soon as he saw the head come out he just stopped and stared in amazement! This moment was "priceless"! And into the world she came!
The little Princess changed a lot of lives for ever and she gave me one of my most cherished titles..... Grandmother! Though we are separated by thousands of miles she is very much loved!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAYJ! WE LOVE YOU!

Love You FOREVER, Grandma!
Smooches!
Regina

Please visit my other spots:
http://reginathinks.wordpress.com/
http://reginasoldschoolfridayspot.blogspot.com/