Ouch! That's Sharp



A sharp covering in our backyard

     I begin composing this entry the day after Christmas as we wake up to picturesque, thorny frost on our backyard's tree and bench. The morning is sharp, in a variety of ways.

     Gifts have been exchanged and Bananagrams was heartily played. Today we consume leftover pancakes and homemade potato soup. We warmly recall viewing funny family videos and the movie Lone Ranger. 

     I reflect on one gift and wonder if I will ever use it. It is a coffee press (also used for tea). Coffee's acidity stirs up stomach issues, and loose-leaf tea isn't my cup of tea. Maybe the gift can be returned.

     Thorny frost, on the heels of Christmas, permeates my mind. Jesus was the soft, precious Christmas Gift, born... for a unique purpose. He was born to demonstrate God's love. 

Sharp, thorny frost covers the tree's crown

     Thirty-three long years later, the adult-Jesus was forced to wear a sharp, ugly, thorny... crown, on the crown of His head. The Babe-gift is clearly embraceable; after all, I love sweet newborns. But, the penetrating question is:

     Will I sharpen my spirit, and see beyond the cuddly...

     ... to be impacted by the Savior?

     During His last days, Jesus experienced ridicule and grit. During this complicated holiday season, why shouldn't there be the figurative, sharp "Ouch" of thorns? ...and placement in the "pole-position?"

     ...the gravity... of posture and positioning... is realized only afterwards.

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   A link to:  Sober Celebs & Their Whys



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Christmas Decor

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Walk a Mile in Their Shoes

Trudging a snowy, STEEP GRADE

     As Christmas approaches I think about how much the holiday, with twinkle lights and sparkle, means to me. This year's abundant, early snowfalls have brought even greater joy, inspiring therapeutic ☼lafic memes. (The right sidebar displays a plethora of meme links.)

     There is, however, a yin with the yang... holiday times include fun, but also invite complex relational dynamics. Differing values, that haven't mingled for years, will meet. I prepare myself and step back for needed perspective.

     I am determined to evaluate my approach to Christmas unknowns, but not necessarily re-evaluate my beliefs, on a collage of topics. My opinions will remain steady, because, for the past 7 years, and especially during the past 14 months of blogging, they have been carefully distilled. They will, however, be zipped.
 
     Today, I suddenly realize that zipping, and dipping as well, are exactly what these cherished family members have demonstrated, for over 10 years. They have kept patiently quiet, choosing to distance themselves. During previous together-occasions, they already trudged the snowy, STEEP GRADE of silence; and, this year, we will most likely, finally, in person acknowledge the proverbial elephant in the room.

     I WILL WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES. For the sake of peace, I... will zip my lips and step back. IF actions seem to suggest: WE DON'T SHARE YOUR STARCHY VALUES... I can trudge that same quiet, snowy and STEEP GRADE. They already clearly know that our opinions differ; now, I need to convey that our relationships are treasures. What I'm learning through the Duck Dynasty brouhaha is: To love and have compassion for people doesn't mean I need to compromise and conform to their beliefs.

     My no-nonsense attitude that sounds a bit Duck Dynasty-like will be:
   Put Your Big Girl Panties On and (thoughtfully) Deal with It

     Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).

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MAN, Oh MAN, Mandela

Viewing the movie Invictus in 2010

     Through inspiring movies like Invictus and television specials aired after his December 5, 2013 death, at the age of 95, the powerful spirit of the MAN, Nelson Mandela, will live on in South Africa and world-wide. Activist Mandela was willing to give his own life for peace.

     Mandela (lovingly referred to as Madiba, Father) was a MAN who inspired and keenly demonstrated, to his mistreated people, how to forgive and peacefully respond to their years-long former oppressors. Mandela's fist salute and winning smile thawed hearts. He was a MAN who strategically used South Africa's favorite sport to unite the country.

     The poem Invictus, by William Ernest Henley, embodies the unbelievable strength Mandela displayed throughout 27 years of imprisonment and solitude. He had every reason to hate his enemies, but he refrained from showing fear or anger lest he reveal a leveraging kink in his armor:

...It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
 Entire poem, Invictus, Wikipedia

     Viewing one of the many specials commemorating this Nobel Peace Prize -winning, larger-than-life, MAN, the host concluded with this paraphrased statement: "Mandela is a MAN who changed South Africa... and he is a MAN who changed the world."

     When one has justified anger against cruelties and injustices, actively fighting for freedom, it is challenging to change that fight trajectory. Mandela and his people experienced horrible atrocities. Once freedom was achieved, inequalities and unfairness still existed (the world is not perfect). How does one's mindset move from fighting activist to peace-loving leader? 

     Somehow, probably through 27 long years of imprisonment, Nelson Mandela re-calibrated his mindset. He focused on peace instead of hatred. After imprisonment and his successful election, he worked with his former Apartheid enemies. He managed a peaceful and productive co-existence in South Africa.

     News footage from Mandela's memorial included his former and current wives hugging; President Obama and Fidel Castro's brother shaking hands; and Singer Bono stating his desire to do more for the cause of peace. Peace is Mandela's defining mark on the world, and it is contagious.

     Generations from now, after 2,000 years, video footage will archive Mandela's indelible mark. But, will his impact still accurately be felt? Mandela truly was a hero and is a legend; yet, how will South Africans know exactly how the MAN would respond to upcoming events?

     I can't help but think of Another... MAN... who displayed similar peaceful actions, and more. Over 2,000 years ago He walked this earth. He was a living, breathing, quietly powerful, yet peaceful MAN. He supernaturally healed people and demonstrated impossible love. He came to save humanity; He inspired many; and, He willingly and literally gave His life, for me (and for Nelson Mandela). He threw my shackles into the sea. He is alive and seated on Heaven's throne as God's only Son. His special birth and life-giving name are why we joyfully celebrate Christmas.

     I sometimes wonder whether Jesus-followers, including myself, are living out the Message accurately. We have the Bible for guidance, but how would Jesus respond to today's complicated world? Do I need to temper my fight trajectory and recalibrate? I am saved from a dire eternal fate, and I am living for God. It is a revitalizing relationship that encourages measured freedom. I refrain from unbeneficial activities; yet, I don't feel deprived or denied. In fact, I feel more alive than ever.

     Will others yearn to meet the MAN and Savior I know? My posture, during holidays and family-times, is sober. A masterful, introductory, 4-minute music video of the re-enactment of Jesus' birth, life, and death is just a click away, at the link below:

His Name is Jesus: ♫Mary Did You Know?♫ (CeeLo Green) 
(John 3:16)

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Snow-Removal Tips

Oil cloth temporarily covers brick steps

     The 2013-14 snowy season is upon us, with 6-8 inches of white precipitation in our neck of the woods, and 14 states affected by the recent weather band. Our steep driveway is like a ski slope, and our front, north-facing steps are numerous. So, after 8 years of slipping and sliding, we are learning to be proactive with our "ice rink" using these snow removal measures:

1. Coat the driveway for easier snow removal. At the early onset of precipitation, we spread a thin layer of ice melt. A magnesium chloride mixture is safer for the environment and for the concrete. It makes for easier snow shoveling later.
   
   
   
2. Protect porous brick front steps with an oil cloth. We cover our steps with an oil cloth (purchased from a fabric store) as a barrier from snow (see top picture). Ice melt is not used on our north-facing steps, as it damages the vulnerable brick. Snow dangerously sticks, creating slick iciness, and it lasts FOR DAYS. The oil cloth has a thin material backing (not a felt-like backing lest it stick to the bricks) and keeps the snow from accumulating directly on the bricks. Warning: The oil cloth can be slick, so we exit/enter through the garage OR carefully descend or ascend gripping the railing side of the oil cloth. Orange warning cones would be a beneficial signal to delivery people. The amazing thing is that after the snowfall, when the cloth is pulled away, the snow and ice piggy-back with it leaving dry steps (unless a next, unexpected snow or ice-round occurs).
3. If you miss the oil cloth window-of-opportunity, try this idea for icy steps and sidewalk in freezing temperatures:  1 tsp. Dawn dishwashing liquid + 1 Tbsp. rubbing alcohol + 1/2 gallon hot/warm water. Mix together and pour over walkways and steps. They don't re-freeze, and no salt eats at your concrete.
4. Prevent bone-breaking falls when shoveling. We slip WinterTrax onto our boots or shoes: WinterTrax or YakTrax at Amazon. Caution when NOT on a driveway: On ceramic tile and other smooth surfaces, WinterTrax are very slick, so read package instructions and precautions thoroughly!  WinterTrax cleats are inconspicuous, streamlined, removable, with spiraling metal coils to improve traction on slick snow. NOTE: for "slicker-than-snot" ice, heed normal precautions... WinterTrax are helpful on slippery snow, but they are not ice-traction miracle-workers. 
   

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Holiday Guest Tips 101

     My philosophy is: People are more important than things...which segues to the motto: People sometimes add minor blemishes to things like my dining room table, and those blemishes add... CHARACTER (thanks, Sheri, for that liberating perspective). My one young grandson's grimy handprint is immortalized, with his Christmas 2012 imprint forever located on the lower portion of my master bathroom's full-length mirror. If Hollywood can do it, so can I. It is charming and priceless.

     This Thanksgiving, with 2 grown children visiting at the same time for 4 nights, bringing 1 husband, 2 young grandchildren, and 2 dogs, my philosophy was keenly tested. When possible, I attempt to be flexible with my family and guests. Here are a few easy and practical ideas we recently used for our young-&-older, long-distance, extended-stay guests:
 

• Breakfasts: Ask, ahead of time, your company's eating preferences for breakfast: cereal, caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee, soda), and juice. For example, my brother preferred crockpot steel cut oat cereal, which made four mornings of breakfast a breeze (click for recipe): Crockpot steel-cut oats. Scrambled eggs and smoothies are also hardy, easy preps.
• Contain baby items: To keep my daughter's baby items handy and contained in the kitchen (medicines, formula, etc.) pretty countertop storage helped to easily move her items during busy food prep. This worked great for Thanksgiving morning.

  

  A container/basket for moveable storage

  
• Washing baby bottles: For bottle items to be safely washed, purchase an inexpensive dishwasher bottle -top & -nipple protector and a bottle scrubber. Keep it stored under the kitchen sink as a helpful, year-round dishwasher tool.

  

  Dishwasher bottle -top & -nipple protector

• Sippy Cups save the home: Sippy cups are rug- and furniture-savers. A set is stored in my cupboards.
• Pack-'n-play sleeping nursery: Own a pack-'n-play and be creative but safe with baby's sleeping quarters. (Disclaimer with just two of innumerable safety precautions: make sure there is no possibility of items falling on baby or reached by baby, AND we carefully mounted my daughter's baby monitor for continuous safety and clear viewing...to repeat, use wise caution for your precious bundle). I gladly performed 3:00 a.m. bottle feedings 2 of the 4 nights. My daughter was able to easily monitor baby the other 2 nights from her room.
• Visiting dogs: 

  

  Dremel Rotary Tool for dog's nails & crafting

  To protect our wood floors and furniture, I own a handy Dremel rotary tool for my son to trim his dog's nails when they arrive (it's great for small craft projects throughout the year). Our son brings a large crate for two dogs to be contained overnight in our utility room.
• Dogs, cont'd:

  

  Four Paws pooper scoop

  We own a Four Paws brand pooper scoop for the backyard; and, because our backyard isn't fenced-in, two stakes with tethers. The pooper scoop helps keep our shoes clean for backyard activity, and after their departure, a backyard trunk can store the leashes & a few grandchild toys. For barking emergencies, the nearby Petsmart reasonably saves the day with peace-providing pet-sitting.
• Dining Flexibility: Our round dinette table's leaf is hidden under a nearby couch. It is super handy for retrieval or storage when expanding or compressing the table.



Ikea sugar dispenser

• Miscellaneous: Ikea's inexpensive sugar dispenser is a hit for my son-in-law's Dunkin' Donuts Hazelnut coffee fixes. With a mere tilt, it dispenses 1/4 teaspoon of sugar; no measuring required. To see a helpful way to display tea bags and other kitchen ideas, simply click this link: Kitchen organization tips

 
      In no way do I strive to be a Martha Stewart nor the ideal hostess, but thoughtful touches, here and there, are amazingly appreciated by guests.

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December Days of Olaf Thawts

☼ Entering the world of sunny Olaf ☼

     On the heels of November thankful thoughts, I see Christmas as the season of contentment and joy. How can I overlook one of most content characters I've recently experienced; AND, I enjoyed it with my grandchild!
     Without further adieu, Frozen's sunny, show-stealer snowman Olaf is this month's blogging inspiration:

☼laf Thawt 1: Joyfully content with or without his snowman orange face-appendage, how could we, in turn, not donate a large can of orange pumpkin and other canned veggies to today's church food drive?

To be continued...