Christmas Reflections

Each year as Christmas arrives I look forward the seasonal shift that occurs. Not just in the environment but in the heart and home too. Our little village becomes cozy as it is blanketed in white. The glow of holiday lights in windows transforms the façade of each home to a place of welcome; not just another house among the masses.

In stores there is a camaraderie between shoppers. Each having a common goal of finding the perfect gift or creating that special holiday meal. During the off-season we would likely pass in the aisle and not speak a word.

At home and school we are looking for an opportunity to thank that person who has done for us and our family. Our “brothers-keeper” sensitivity is also fine-tuned. Often times to the point of being self-sacrificing.

What is particularly note-worthy to me is that this attitude of the heart transcends believers and non-believers alike. Many would deny their actions were motivated by any faith-based notions. Rather they are simply doing the right thing at a time when others are in need. As a firm-believer in Christ and His miraculous birth and life, I say this is no coincidence. You may deny Christ’s sovereignty, you many deny all religions completely. But this seasonal shift of the heart and actions cannot be denied. Ask any retailer, any Pastor, any nursing home director, any manager of a charitable organization.

If this is so, then what is the true cause and motivation one would ask? I maintain, in my humble opinion, that the roots of such beauty, joy, generosity and outpouring of love are firmly planted by the Creator Himself. Yes, we have grown into a country where all theological perspectives, or the absence of them, are accepted. But these were not the ideologies of our founding fathers and their ancestors before them. In contrast theirs was a narrow path by which to walk that led to a life well-lived. They fought hard and long to create an environment of equality and acceptance.

Generations later we have strayed far from that path they trod at such sacrifice. The details of that could become a long and unpleasant dictation. My point in this reflection, from a positive perspective, is that all has not gone astray indeed. If even for a season we hold to those “old-fashioned” beliefs and “traditional” behaviors, what a difference it makes!

In my quiet moments I wonder what would happen if it were to be so the whole year long. What would happen if all year we turned our eyes to Jesus and strived to live as He did. That our thoughts would be pure as new fallen snow. What glory, what grace! But alas, I need to be content with these weeks as they are. It is my prayer that we will maintain our freedom here in the US to always enjoy this season, openly and freely. That every village, every city will maintain that lovely glow that only Christmas brings to the heart and home.

Praise you Jesus that you are still the sovereign Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of my heart.

The Wizards Do It Again...

On Sunday Beetleboy competed in a robotics program sponsored by Lego. They have been programming, researching and running the course since September. Finally, all their hard work was done and the pressure was on to perform for the judges. There were 34 teams in the competition comprised of kids ages 8-14. Each selects a name and attire to match accordingly. This year BB's team wore shirts designed by ML and pants painstakingly, hand-painted by Coach Fisherman which were awesome. Of course the team wore their traditional wizard hats too. The event was held at a local technology college in their field house. It was a noisy, busy day with lots of standing and very little rest. The Wizards team consists of seven boys all in BB's grade. They are a great group, really complementing each other with their various strengths and abilities. The competition consisted of three parts. The first is an oral presentation on a subject relative to power plants. The Wizards chose to do theirs on alternative energy sources. The second part is to present their robot to the judges and explain their programs, the design and their plan to run the course. The last, most exciting (and emotionally draining) part is running the robot through the course. It must perform several different tasks successfully and quickly. After several heats each robot is judged for efficiency and timeliness. Once all is said and done the teams get to rest (Coaches too, WHEW!) while the closing ceremony is being prepared. The Closing Ceremony starts out with cool giveaways, a funny video prepared and narrated by the judges. Then all teams efforts are recognized and medals are awarded to all participants and Coaches. Next, several categories of awards are presented. Last year the Wizards won the trophy for Best Presentation. This year we all held our breath each time a trophy was presented as we were not sure if another would be earned. But sure enough, when the award was presented for First Place in Robot Design, the Wizards got it!!!! As his Mom I must add that the robot was designed by BB, not that I'm bragging at all. In no way was this a solitary effort; the whole team deserves credit for the win. But I just had to add that detail, LOL! After the event we all retired to the Fisherman household for pizza, wings and delicious gourmet cookies shaped like, you guessed it--wizard hats. Thanks Mrs. B! We are so proud of the WHOLE team for all your hard work, perseverance, patience and sportsmanship. You really shined Wizards!! We can't wait until next year, but let's give the Coaches a couple weeks off, OK?

My Best Friend...

Today is my best friend, Ke-Ke's birthday and I wanted to wish her a very happy birthday by posting this message and photos on my blog. Ke-ke is special to me for so many reasons. Like the fact that she is smart and SO funny. I love how much we laugh when we are together. I value her opinion alot because she has a wonderful, warm heart. She sees life in a way that helps me make sense of things when I just don't get it. She also knows just when to show up when I need a sympathetic ear or a shoulder to cry on. This amazes me! We have alot in common too. We both love to spend time outdoors, we love music, we love shoe shopping and jewelry, we have the same SUV (no we didn't plan it!), we love to cook, we love animals and so much more but you get the idea. What I really am trying to say is I just love spending time with Ke-ke doing anything. What makes her even more special is our whole family loves her as much as I do. LL loves to play games with her and she loves her kitty's. BW and BB think she is the coolest 20-something on the planet. They go to her when I need to be warmed up to an idea, and it usually works! Daddybug and her enjoy just hanging out together too. In fact, they share a love for Diet Dr. Pepper that I had no idea existed until about a year ago, but that's another story. So, Ke-ke, today when I say my prayers I am putting you at the top of the list of blessings that I'm thanking God for. You mean the world to me and I cannot imagine life without you.

Love and Hugs,

Mama Ladybug

Weekends are for fun...

Well, the inevitable happened on the lane this weekend; it snowed. It was not alot, but it is our first "official" snowfall of the season. Enough that the kids actually had a two-hour school delay. This of course went over very well. So the first snowfall of the season brings with it a tradition started by BB a couple of years ago. This would be the barefoot run to the post box at the end of our driveway. Don't ask why this began, I have no idea. Perhaps it started at Bentley Brook when both BB and BW exited the hot tub, rolled in the snow then jumped back in the hot tub. Thus creating cheers and looks of amazement from all who witnessed the event. They just LIVE for those moments. Along with the first snowfall came the first batch of Christmas cookies created by ML and her assistant LL. What fun that was! So many new tastes and flavors, she was on overload. Then if that wasn't enough, we continued the joy by visiting our friends, Gracious, Lilypad and Loganberry then made even more cookies. And to begin the celebration of Advent on the lane we decorated the Christmas tree. This was a long (and I mean LONG) awaited event to share with Little Ladybug. We savored every moment and she loved every moment. My post of the weekend would not be complete if I did not share photos of LL during dinner on Sunday. Since she has come home she is slowly warming to the taste of Italian food. Well...I guess it is safe to say that Spaghetti and Meatballs are a hit now. The photos say it all, I'll never do the moment justice if I try to put the experience in words.