Have you ever been in a room where people are doing normal things and you feel so very not normal? It happened to me last night during choir practice. Let me explain.

We were practicing for our choir performances (on the 17^th and the 21^st at Pensacola First Church of the Nazarene). It was all pretty ordinary. But, my dear friend and sister-in-Christ made a casual comment about one of my blogs. What she said was wonderful and insightful and generous. Her words were not what made the evening unusual but they started me down a path I didn’t expect to travel.

There is a wonderful historical account in the Old Testament of Joseph and his brothers. A member of the tribe of Israel, Joseph was the eleventh of 12 brothers; and, he was hated by his older brothers for being their father’s favorite. When given the chance, the brothers sold Joseph to slave traders bound for Egypt and lied to their father saying that Joseph had been killed by a wild beast. In a moment, Joseph went from being the favorite son of a wealthy man to being a slave. Although as a slave he served his master well, he was falsely accused of sexual misconduct with the boss’ wife (that NEVER happens today, right?) and was wrongly imprisoned. Ever faithful, he served well in prison and was promoted to a position of leadership and eventually assigned to the personal service of the king. Joseph was such a skilled administrator and leader that he was given authority of all Egypt, second only to the king. When the region experienced famine, Joseph’s careful planning kept the people fed and increased the power and holdings of the king. When Joseph’s brothers needed grain, they were shocked to have to make their request to the brother that they thought was long gone. Seeing Joseph’s position, the brothers were fearful of what punishment Joseph would command.

But, Joseph’s reaction was not what they expected. He made the most astounding comment: “Do not be afraid, for am I not in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21)

My friend’s comments made me remember how some challenges in my life prepared me for what I needed to be able to do later. As I sat in our choir room, people all around me singing songs of praise, I was overwhelmed by the love and mercy of God in my life.   You see, what I sometimes saw as being bad were the very things that I needed to be of service later. What was hard for me to do made me stronger to carry heavier loads. What was terrible was really good. And, most importantly, what seemed to be totally out of control was always in God’s hands. You who know me well, will understand when I say that the reminder of this critical fact of faith caused me to weep quietly as the others sang.

It is only by faith that we can see the things that are not of this world.

Are you having a problem with faith? Then, look at a baby. We can see life and hope and a future that is not actually present in that little body. In that child, we see the promise of God.

Having a problem with faith? Then, look at an older believer. We cannot, through human minds, understand why hope reigns in their hearts and souls. But, we can see the love of God shine through their eyes and hear the song of the redeemed in their words.

Have faith. We may never understand the purpose of the struggles of today. But, God has a plan. And, His plan is always based on His unending love of His children.

You can trust Him.

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s Kids)

So what Christmas song drives you crazy? It used to be “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” and I still hate it. But this year a new song has gotten my attention. It is the “Marshmallow World” that plays in a commercial for Target. Haven’t heard it or just want to irritate the people around you? Go to: http://youtu.be/ifvRgJMfop4

Apparently I am not alone. Here are some comments that I found on the song:

• “The Target advertising music this year is manic, insane and I think I’m going to have a seizure if I heard that song again.”
• “Talk about noise pollution!”
• “The Target advertising song this year is driving me absolutely buggy! It is manic and crazy. I am in a panic to rush to the set to turn it off when those commercials come on! It’s by far the WORST Christmas music this year.”

OK, so maybe those folks need some professional help. (By the way, I “cleaned up” their comments.)

When I was in college, there was a great TV room in the basement of one of the men’s dorms. It was open to everyone and so was a wonderful place to hang out with friends. It was usually crowded and loud and fun. But, when the commercials for feminine hygiene commercials came on, the room was silent. Talk about awkward. I can only imagine how that place is with some of the commercials that are being aired today.

It would be nice if we could just delete the sounds that bother us. But, let’s reverse that. What if we could restore the sounds that delight us? Here are some sounds that I wish I could hear again:

• My Grandma Randlett’s greeting as she arrived at our house each Christmas. She would travel from Detroit each December and she always smelled so wonderful.
• The sound of Grandpa Mullins preaching and the sound of Grandma Mullins singing in the old church in Kentucky.
• The craziness as our family put together the “Christmas bags” for the church.
• Ed Dixon’s full out laughter when I said that my name could never be “Dr. Mullins-Stein.”
• My sister, Janice, her friend and me playing “I Wonder as I Wander” at the annual candlelight Christmas concert in Newton, Kansas.
• John’s greeting to me when we were reunited in Hong Kong after a five month separation.
• Pop Stein, with a twinkle in his eye, responding to the question “Would you like pie or cake for dessert?” with a hearty “YES!!!”
• Mom Stein ending every call with us by saying “Give each other a hug and a squeeze from us.”

It is easy to mute the TV and turn off the radio when the irritating sounds of the season come our way.

It is a little harder to recapture the lost sounds of our lives. But, you can do it!

Think and remember and reflect and hear in your heart the sounds of love and joy that are from Christmas’ past.

Remember and rejoice!!

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

I love to go Christmas caroling. It just seems right to be outside, in the cold, with old and new friends, singing in the dark.

Let me share about the last time we went Christmas caroling. Our planning had started the previous summer. Well, that could be an overstatement. You see, I was shopping in Big Lots. (Before I retired, the local Big Lots store was a great place for me to wander during lunchtime. I could spend 15 minutes there, grab a Diet Coke and a bag of peanuts on the way out, and be refreshed and ready for the afternoon.) Anyway, I was in Big Lots when I saw some aluminum pans in the shape of a Christmas tree. The pans were green in color and really cheap. Good deals are always tempting to me and so I bought all that they had.

As we got closer to Christmas, I decided that I would use those pans. Cake mixes were stirred, pans filled with batter, baking was completed and each cake was decorated. It was a really easy baking project and I had fun making each tree look distinct. (OK, don’t think Martha Stewart-like distinct, think different kinds of sprinkles out of a plastic bottle kind of distinct.) I needed to do something with the cakes and so we decided to go caroling.

As John and I and two friends started out that evening, we didn’t have much of a plan, but we had cake. The first house we visited (unannounced of course), the people met us at the door in PJs and boxers. We sang a carol or two and then presented them with a cake. The reaction was marvelous. Apparently, it had been a tough day in that house and a surprise dessert and serenading were very much appreciated.

We made our way to the next house. Drat – no one was home. Perhaps we should have taken more time in planning this evening!

The third house was empty too.

But, the fourth house was the home of an invalid adult son and his extended family. We sang our hearts out. And, we left two cakes there. The aunt of the young man hugged each one of us, tears running down her cheeks. She said that no one had ever caroled at their house. We (at least I did) teared up too.

We spent the rest of the evening looking for people who would tolerate our singing and appreciate a surprise cake.

It was such a simple thing. Four people singing Christmas carols with cakes made using Big Lot pans and store bought cake mix and frosting. And yet it was one of my favorite evenings that year. The carols weren’t perfect; in some cases we mixed up the verses and the pitch changed from time-to-time. But, it was true Christmas joy.

Do you sing? Can you whistle? How about humming? No matter how you sound, great or not so great, why not use your voice this year in celebrating the gift of God’s love? Sing out at church. Turn on the radio and belt out a chorus or two. Music is a gift of God.

“But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.” (Psalm 59:16)

p.s.  If you and I don’t get a chance to sing together here; let’s plan to meet there, in that great heavenly choir!  Love you, Jill

Yesterday the football rankings came out. I’m a Florid State alumna, so I am pleased that we are in the final four. Some of you are not happy with the rankings and others could care less.

But, we have all been involved in rankings or ratings of some kind in our lives. If nothing else, my generation “suffered” at recess when everyone in the class was lined up against the outside wall of our grade school to be selected for a team. Team captains were appointed by the teacher and the process of choosing sides began. Some were always selected first while the rest of us looked at our feet and kicked small rocks on the ground. We were hoping to get selected somewhere in the middle. No matter what, someone was selected last. It was kind of a small kid version of the television show “Survivor.”

I wore leg braces for several years during grade school. With or without the braces, I wasn’t a fast runner. And, with the leg braces I not only wasn’t a fast runner, but the entire class would have to wait for me to get my snow boots off and on every winter day.

The braces looked pretty bad, but, for the most part, they didn’t bother me except for the inconvenience and some “rub” spots that Mom and I would have to work to heal. But, those braces sure bothered others. You couldn’t help but notice them on my little body. The braces started at my hips with a large heavy piece shaped like a “c” around my waist, held fast by a strap and buckle. Cables, sheathed in rubber or something, ran down the sides of my legs, also fastened by straps around my thighs and my calves. And, large, orthopedic shoes were connected at the end of the cables. When I wasn’t wearing the braces, you could see how the shoes were pulled to the sides by the winding of the cables. Some people would stare at me when they saw the braces and others would look away. My family kept me laughing about everything and so my memories are great ones; I thought that it was all pretty cool.

But lining up for kick ball team selection wasn’t cool. There I stood, slowest runner, heavy braces strapped to my legs. (Sounds pretty pitiful, doesn’t it?)

We played a version of kick ball that was a little like baseball. The only differences were that the ball was rolled to a kicker rather than thrown to a batter and the entire class played every inning. The outfield was covered with defensive players. Kicking the ball was a matter of timing. And, since we were kicking a large, red rubber ball, the “pitcher” couldn’t do much to change up their delivery.

What we soon learned that when I was up to kick the ball, I could KICK that rubber ball!! Once I got my timing down, that big old heavy brace on my leg put such tremendous power in my kick that no one else in the entire grade school could match me. That ball flew! And, my slow running didn’t matter; I could make it around the bases in plenty of time before the kids got the ball out of the Presbyterian Church parking lot across the street.

This holiday season, let’s make sure to celebrate with those who were (are?) picked first and those who were (are?) picked last. The love of God makes it always possible for us to find surprise talents and treasures in each other. You see, God’s children are reflections of their Father.

And, if the house seems a little too small at some point during the holidays, go outside and play some kick ball!

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” (Revelation 22:13)

Today is the second Sunday of Advent, the day we think of the promise of God: Love.

There is nothing like love. Love puts a protective spirit in new parents that is immediate and strong. Love causes men and women to abandon selfishness as each gives themself to the other. Love brings tears and laughter and sorrow and fear. Love cannot be bought but it can be given. Love is free but can cost you much. Love is found in the smallest of deeds. Love can be shared but cannot be taken.

The love of God is why we can love each other. “For God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

God’s love is immeasurable, incredible, and infectious. Love God and you will find that you can love others and love yourself.

May the love of God be in you and through you. As we gather with others during this Advent season, may we share His love.

Do you have favorite Christmas movies? How about these?

• A Charlie Brown Christmas.
• Elf
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• Home Alone
• The Polar Express
• Miracle on 34^th Street (love the 1947 version with Natalie Wood)
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• A Christmas Carol (maybe the Muppet version?)
• A Christmas Story
• The Santa Clause
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

How about White Christmas? I love that movie. For those of you who haven’t ever seen it or don’t remember the plot, here’s a brief summary. Two sisters meet two men. The four decide to help out a retired Army general who owns a ski lodge that is losing money. Confusion sets in as messages are missed and misunderstood. In the end, the ski lodge is saved, the general is honored and the two couples fall in love. The movie ends with snow, love, a huge Christmas tree and everyone happy and healthy. I love the story, but you might find the movie to be boring.

My favorite viewing of a movie at Christmas time was watching “The Narnia Chronicles” for the first time. I had read the books and loved how C. S. Lewis created memories. And I knew that there would be a scene in the movie that might be difficult to watch. We were with a young family and so I told the girls that I might be really afraid when a scene where Aslan, the lion, goes through a bad time. The two young girls assured me that they would hold my hands if the movie got scary. Well, the scene came and two small hands found their way into mine. I sat in that dark theater, tears streaming down my cheeks. Oh, the movie scene was tough. But, what caused the waterworks was that I was being comforted by two little ones. It still touches my heart.

You see, sometimes watching a movie has nothing to do with the movie. Looking at photograph albums has nothing to do with the pictures. Checking out the lawnmower in the garage has nothing to do with the lawnmower. And, playing a video game you really don’t understand has nothing to do with gaming.

Spend time this weekend gathering together.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

I was standing in line at Walmart yesterday – something I do fairly often. At the next counter a little girl and her father were checking out. In their cart of purchases were several gifts because the girl had been “good” (a self-reported assessment; those of us in the area had a different opinion) and her daddy is “great” (report from the same analyst). I have a feeling that purchases for “good” behavior are pretty common in that family. And, then I got to thinking. I wonder what Christmas morning will be like for them. Will it be special? Will it be special enough?

We Americans lead amazing lives; our choices are bound only by our resources and our own self-discipline. For instance, in our little town, you can get a hot meal served to you at any hour of the day on any day of the year. There is no time (except perhaps during a hurricane) that you cannot purchase toilet paper, barbeque sauce, lawn fertilizer, or cologne. We have numerous television channels that offer drama, comedy, news, sports, religious instruction and cartoons. I can email, text, call or video-chat with almost anyone I know. (Well, I cannot really video-chat. I don’t know how to do that and have no interested in acquiring the skills.)

So, how can anything be special?

I have two suggestions. One, let’s keep special things special.

Make this year’s holiday a true celebration. Identify your most special traditions and reserve them for the most special days this Christmas season.

I’ll give you an example from the Mullins’ home. When I was little, we made the iced Christmas cookies on Christmas Eve. It added excitement and fun to gather as a family and to make the cookies. Then, we ate them from Christmas through New Year’s. Iced Christmas cookies were special.

What can you set aside to make your Christmas season more special?  Maybe it is ordering that special dessert at a favorite restaurant.   Or, how about setting up a family night, with popcorn and pickles, the whole family gathered together to watch that classic holiday movie?

And, my second suggestion is: let’s keep sacred things sacred.

Don’t just sing the Christmas carols this year, listen to the words. I tear up just thinking that the carols I am blessed to sing were also sung by my grandparents and my great-grandparents. This year, don’t just read the scripture passages of the Christmas story, read the word of God as if you are reading it for the first time. Don’t just take a minute to say grace before your holiday meal, hold the hands of those around you and praise God for His love and His gift of His son, Jesus.

I guarantee that when we keep special things special, our joy will be greater. And, when we keep sacred things sacred, our faith will increase.

“I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” (Isaiah 45:2-3)

Yesterday was crazy. We had an early alarm (5:30) because John had an early session with a flight student. I got up right after he did and decided to get a few things done. Because my primary goal for the day was to do a very dirty job (cleaning greasy outdoor storage items), I dressed in work clothes and didn’t do anything with my hair. Then I realized that I needed to pick up more cleaning agents for my project and I made a quick stop at Walmart. I made one more stop (Walgreens) before heading home. It was there that I made a huge mistake. I locked my phone and my keys in my vehicle. Arrgghh! The situation was entirely my fault. No one else had done anything to cause my dilemma.

So, at about 8:30 on a Tuesday morning, I was at a popular store on a busy street, in work clothes with bad hair (my ball cap was on the seat in my vehicle), and, I was going to be there for some time. A very nice clerk loaned me her cell phone so that I could leave a message for John and then I settled in, standing next to my vehicle, holding my wallet and a plastic bag.

There really wasn’t much I could do. I didn’t want to go into the store again and so I stood and waited. My phone was staring at me from inside the vehicle; there would be no reading of emails, playing of Solitaire or updating my Facebook status. There was no place for me to sit down except on the curb. And, if I got seated there, I had no idea how I would get up gracefully. I wasn’t hungry. I wasn’t thirsty. My only option was to stand and to wait.

And so, I started praying; you were included. Now, you need to understand that I have no idea who reads the “We Gather Together 14” series, so my praying involved some specific names and then some generalized categories. You will probably find yourself below.

I prayed for my family. Some of you are going through tough challenges; others of you seem to be in a “smooth sailing” period. But, I love you all. And, I prayed for each of you. Thank you for being there for John and me no matter what. Your love and friendship mean more than you will ever know. I prayed that Christmas will be a blessed time for you; that the peace that passes all understanding will be yours.

I prayed for our friends, many by name. You mean so much to us. I prayed that each will grow closer to God this Christmas season. I prayed that travels will be safe, the finances will be balanced, and that good health will be yours. The struggles that some of you are facing flooded my mind. You are such blessings to John and to me. May God’s love surround you.

I prayed for those who, like me, are seekers and students and dreamers. I know that my journey is easier and better because I see others who are questioning where they are going and how they will get there. I asked God to remind us that even though we don’t have all of the answers, we are wiser than we were last year and that we will grow even more next year.

I prayed for our nation, her leaders, her military and her people. I thanked God for good Americans who volunteer to serve. I prayed that all would pursue the wisdom of God and to serve with integrity and faithfulness. So many will not be at home this Christmas and I prayed that they will realize that Americans value their service. And, I prayed that we will live up to their sacrifice.

I prayed for our church. The spirit of God is so sweet at PCN and I prayed that we would be more and more faithful. I long for revival in my heart and in our church.

And, I prayed for myself. There is so much that I am learning from God’s word and from His leading. I want to mature in my walk and to allow the love of God to soften my heart and my life more and more.

When John arrived, keys in hand, I ended my time of reflection with a quick “I’m OK” to my new Walgreeen’s friends and a smile toward the heavens. The frustration of having to stand next to my vehicle with nothing to do had melted away; I had had a wonderful time with our Father.

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16)

This is a follow-on to the Neiman Marcus shopping list I shared yesterday.

What surprised me about the list of lavish gifts is that so many of them involve having an expert go with you or advise you on making the best selection. I cannot imagine how intimidating that would be. Often times, having someone tell me what I should like is challenging.

I appreciate support and assistance but the experts can get a little bossy.

I have a friend who worked in the make-up industry. I had never invited her help, but one day I was “caught” and I let her experiment with make-up. Now, that I think about it, I feel really bad for her. She got out her kit and went to work on my face. The first application was bad. And, the next two only looked worse. In the end, she did a few things and then stepped back and looked at me. I still laugh when I remember what she said, “You still look like you.” Hilarious!!

You know the feeling, the car salesman who tells you what you “must have.” The clothing retailer who comments that you really need to “invest” in your closet. Or, the waiter who comments that “usually” people order the sautéed mushrooms and onions with that particular cut of beef.

I love having experts “help” me, but I start getting a queasy feeling when they go past the “helping” stage to the “telling” stage.

So, let’s agree this year that we are going to be the ones selecting the gifts. If we want help, we will ask for it. (Good luck finding that clerk again.) And, if we want them to select something for us, we will tell them the gender and age of the gift recipient and how much we want to pay. No fair showing us something we cannot afford.

And, if you cannot figure out what to buy, go for the gift card. I mean, who really needs (or wants?) a 6-foot tall garden peacock?

Happy shopping!!

“He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.” (Proverbs 21:17)

When I was a little girl, my pastor would share with the congregation the list of “expensive gifts” that the Neiman Marcus catalogue offered for sale at Christmas time. It was so crazy. The list would include things like matching his and hers helicopters or exotic animals.

So, if you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping for this year, maybe the Neiman Marcus list for this year might be of help:

1. Tanqueray No. Ten Imperial shaker. This 6-foot tall, cock-tail making machine comes with a one-year supply of Tanqueray No. Ten, and an “education session” for up to 20 guests with an expert. Being a non-drinker, this is an easy “no thanks” from me. And, the $35,000 price tag might keep this item off of your shopping list.
2. For $50,000 you can get His and Hers Vilebrequin Quadskis. These vehicles give you the fun of both a jet ski and an ATV. They go from water to land in under five seconds and can accelerate up to 45 mph.   Buy the set and keep one for yourself.
3. Does someone you love need new linens? Spend a mere $55,000 and you get linens for every room in their house, personally selected with the help of Jane Scott Hodges, the founder of Leontine Linens Home Trousseau. And, you thought learning about thread counts was the toughest issue for selecting sheets!
4. For $65,000 you can get a 6-foot “glorious garden peacock” made of seasonal plantings and silk flowers. (It comes with a 10-foot long tail.) Or, go for the inside the house 3-foot version for only $25,000. Do worries, event planner Preston Bailey will come to your house to set it up. (“What??” You say. “SILK flowers??”)
5. Up your spending to $95,000 and you get the 100^th anniversary limited-edition Maserati Ghibli S Q4. It hits 60 mph in 47 seconds and has all-wheel drive. Sorry, I didn’t find the info on the city and highway MPG.
6. Looking for jewelry? Spend $100,000 and you will spend three days in Germany with Monica Rich Kosann, a jewelry designer and photographer. She will select a stone and collaborate with you to great a one-of-a-kind locket. Not sure if the price includes a tip for Monica or not.
7. Want to go in with friends on a shared gift? $125,000 buys a five-day “adventure” for you and five couples to Mardi Gras. The gift includes private tours of local art galleries, special dinners and a black tie ball. You also get to ride a float in one of the parades.
8. Ok, I really don’t get this one; you may. For $300,000, a 1:32 scale model will be built of your favorite auto racing track. The model includes track cameras that display on mini screens the races that you and your friends have. Racing “legends” will co-host your inaugural racing party.
9. For $425,000 you can buy the “celebrity” experience for that loved one. The weekend of the Oscars, the two of you will stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel for three nights, eat at some amazing places, and then attend “The Vanity Fair Party” where you get to mix with Hollywood elite. (The write-up on this one says “Pack your gown and tux”; guess those are not included!)
10. Last, you can spend $475,000 for the creation of your own personal scent developed during an extraordinary trip to Paris. A few months later, you get in the mail “24 14-karat gold-gilded six-liter flagons and 12 14-karat gold-accented leather atomizers” with your new scent. Amazing!

OK, just thinking about this level of shopping wears me out. More on this subject tomorrow.

In the meantime, think on this amazing scripture: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

p.s. “These things” does not mean the 10 gift ideas listed above!