Sara – Page 14 – Women on God's Mission

Don’t Stop Praying

This week our theme at Skinner Academy is “Call Me!” We’ve had lessons about how to use the phone, reviewing our phone number, and talking a lot about prayer. It’s been super fun and super challenging! Our memory verse is short and to the point:

“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without stopping! Don’t stop! Never stop! Pray all day! Based on that verse, here are some places the boys and I decided we could and should pray:

When we wake up in the morning

Before meals

After meals

During meals

In the van

At the store

At a restaurant

When we have a bad dream

When we can’t sleep

At the library

In the bathroom

Making breakfast/lunch/supper

Doing laundry

Before a long trip

In a boat

While swimming

In school

Sweeping the floor

At church

Before we fall asleep at night

We found that the list can get most interesting (and sometimes kindof yucky … like when we’re throwing up)! But it’s true. God wants to hear from us at all times in all places. If you’re like us, we pray before meals, during our quiet time with God, at church, and when we want something or are in trouble. Sadly, most of our praying is self-centered and locked into habitual times, not nearly qualifying as praying without stopping.

God knows that we have a hard time focusing on Him; we need to talk to Him all the time so we keep our vision clear and our relationship with Him strong. We can access Facebook and other social networks 24/7 and most of us have a phone with us at all times. I wonder. Does that steal from our intimacy with God? I know it steals from some of the closeness of some marriages, so it must hurt God as well.

Also, we must not give up praying long-term for prayer requests. After the diagnosis, accident, request, appointment, lay-off or deployment we must remember to continue to pray!

Challenge: Take one day and try to put this verse into practice. Pray all the time, everywhere, without stopping. I’ve never done this before to this extent, but I am going to try to do it today. I’m going to pray for you right now, dear reader. I hope you have a great praying-through-the-day day! 🙂

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January 20, 2012October 21, 2014 by Sara Categories: God Appointments, Home Education Leave a comment

Calendar Comfort

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We think we’re going to remember, but usually we don’t. It’s easy for me to remember December 3rd every year, the day my sister’s oldest son was born and lived just one hour. On that day I email or call my sweet sister to let her know I’m thinking about Ben, remembering his precious life and her loss. Every year on September 4th I get an email from a friend remembering the due date of our baby that died before his birth. It means a lot to me to know that our Little Jewel is not forgotten.

This Saturday is the 10th anniversary of a dear friend’s widowhood. Ten years ago her husband died of cancer. Months ago, while we were talking about Alberto, I asked Maria, “When did he die?” I wrote down the date and added it to my calendar as soon as she left. Unfortunately I don’t always do this with everyone I know, but in this case I now have the privilege of loving my friend by remembering her husband. She may need some extra encouragement, so I’m going to call her today and see if she would like a visit.

One time when I was unsure whether I should say something to a friend about her loss, another friend recommended, “Always say something.” In most situations we are encouraging people by keeping the memory of their loved one alive.  Sharing God’s comfort is always a good thing.

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say and our fear keeps us from reaching out in compassion. A book I found very helpful is When You Don’t Know What to Say by Sandy Lynam Clough. Here is what she suggests:

1. Spend time. The ministry of presence: sometimes the pain is too great for words, and someone may simply need us to be there with them.

2. Say, “I’m so sorry.” Avoid statements like: “She lived a long life.” (A life is never long enough for those who are grieving their loss.) “God must have needed him in heaven.” “There was probably something wrong with your baby, so God just took him.” “You can have another baby.” “At least you have your other children.” A safe caring thing to say is a heartfelt, “I’m so sorry.”

3. Don’t feel like you must try to solve their problem. “Because we serve the One who is the Solution and the Answer, those of us who are Christians tend to feel that we are obligated to bring a solution or an answer to every problem and difficult situation.” We often feel helpless, but the person grieving understands this. Just go to her and talk, send an email or spend time with her. She just needs you.

4. Listen. If it seems appropriate, you can ask a question such as:

Do you want to tell me what happened?
Are you afraid?
What are your days like?
What concerns you most about the situation?
Are you able to sleep?
How do you want me to pray for you?
Can I give you a hug?
.
5. Offer help. Ask if you can watch her children to give her a break. Offer to bring a meal.  See if making some phone calls for her might meet a need.  Offer to pick up something at the store while you’re out.

6. Surrender.   When friends are in crisis it can bring fear into our own hearts.  Ask God to help you to surrender the future to His loving care, trusting He will take you through anything. Only His love can make life peaceful.

7. You’re My Hero!   Tell her how her way of handling the situation is an inspiration to you. When we went through our son’s broken leg and false accusations leading to a DHS investigation, it comforted me when a friend said, “You are doing a good job, Sara. Keep it up, this won’t last forever.”

8. Pray!  Most importantly, pray for your friend and offer to pray with them. Some people feel uncomfortable with this, but most people like it when a friend offers to pray for and/or with them. This can be done in person or over the phone. You can even write a prayer on a card. It is meaningful when a person who cannot even identify with your kind of loss takes time to cry and pray with you. I know.

I hope some of these wonderful ideas help you comfort others. Check out Sandy’s book for more practical hints.  Not long ago I ran across an obituary of a girl I grew up with who died in a car accident several years ago. I am writing it down – the end of the summer I’m going to send her mom a note of remembrance. Although she knows she will see Sarah again someday, the grief of her loss never ends.

If you have a friend who has recently experienced loss or is approaching a painful anniversary, take a few moments to let them know you care. Think back to when a friend comforted you and when God comforted you through a trial. Now you have the opportunity to minister.

January 19, 2012October 21, 2014 by Sara Categories: Friendship, Loss, Mentoring, Ministry Ideas Leave a comment

Popcorn Mania

On Monday night a friend and I met for our Christmas celebration. We always wait until January and combine it with our “We Survived the Holidays” party. She introduced me to a fabulous shop in our mall called Corn Fusion. We burned off a few calories walking the mall before tasting samples from their approximately 50 choices. I tried strawberry cheesecake, s’mores, loaded baked potato, and white cheddar. DELICIOUS! I told the lady I would be back, and I’m spreading the word amongst my local friends.

Since I can’t go to the mall very often, I went hunting for some popcorn recipes to tide me over. I feel like I hit a snack goldmine …

“White Cheddar” Popcorn:
http://robinsonhomesweethome.wordpress.com/2011/01/15/homemade-white-cheddar-popcorn/

301 Flavored Popcorn Recipes:
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/cat/764/

Enjoy!

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January 18, 2012October 21, 2014 by Sara Categories: Recipes Leave a comment

Cherish Today

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

We’ve all heard catchy little phrases like, “Enjoy today – it’s a gift. That’s why it’s called the present!” (source unknown). Each day we get a little older, and hopefully wiser, as we continually open up and share the gift of life we’ve been given.

In 2012 I am scheduled to turn 40. This month my sister will become a gorgeous 50, and later in the year, my mom a beautiful 80. We’ve talked about how we should celebrate: dinner out, a Caribbean cruise, a trip to Hawaii … it’s fun to dream! We really should celebrate the gift of life and our good God who gave it to us.

I admit it. I’m struggling a bit with turning 40. It sounds old, and I don’t want to be old. Well, I do want to be mature in wisdom and experience … but physically, give me back my 20s! I was telling a friend the other day that the best thing about growing older is looking back at how God has worked through circumstances for good … Romans 8:28 is really true. Not that I doubted it, but it’s a blessing to see it ring true in real life. God is faithful! God loves me! God has a plan for me!

Lately I’ve spent time with someone who has the habit of wishing she were somewhere else. When it’s almost the holidays, she can’t wait for a break. When she gets there, she seems miserable, longing to get back to normal. At our house we call this being an Eeyore. Well, I gave this friend a pretty little sign for Christmas that says, “Cherish today.” I was astounded when she asked me, “Why should I cherish today? Why shouldn’t I look forward to the future?”

Missionary to Ecuador and martyr Jim Elliot said, “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” Jim’s insight challenges me to cherish today and my God-given mission. Instead, I often find myself whining quietly or out loud about my circumstances. It is usually when I hear about trials other people are going through that I stop complaining and start thanking.

God treasures our thankfulness. At times life is so hard, and God knows that it can take a tremendous amount of effort to say, “Thank you.” Sometimes in our pain we can ask God, “Please help me to be thankful for what You are allowing in my life.” After all Christ has done for us, we can make the sacrifice of joy, and with determination, “I will … I will…” praise Him.

“And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.” Psalm 27:6

In Luke 12 we read about a man who had laid up for years to take his ease in retirement. Just as he was preparing to party, God told him he had reached the end of his days and he’d better prepare to die. What catches my attention is the end of verse 21:

“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ ‘So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.'” (italics mine)

I want to cherish today, and the only way I can do that is to live “rich toward God.” As I spend time with God in His Word and talk to Him in reliance throughout my day, I will have the correct focus. And even when I don’t feel like I have the strength to turn to God, He will hear my cry and come to my aid. And yes, we as God’s children have a lot to look forward to! One day there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more aging, no more sin, and no more death. God has given us a mission and a future – what a privilege. Forty? Bring it on!

New Year’s Resolutions and Chocolaty Choices

One chilly winter morning during college, my slightly dramatic single friend Wendy approached me with a sheepish grin: “Last night I snuggled up in front of a cozy fireplace with a tall … dark … and handsome (gulp?) ……….. mug of hot chocolate!”

My guess is that right now some my single friends are dreaming of someone to snuggle with in front of a fire, and a few married friends are longing for their husbands to take time to build a cozy fire, without being asked, inviting them to share some hot cocoa with them (minus the children). To clarify misleading lies touting unending bliss – being married, even to a growing Christian, is a huge challenge (ask my husband!). But, there are some parts which are quite lovely.

To Resolve or Not Resolve?

When asked at a New Year’s Eve party, one of our friends declared that in 2012 he was resolved to get a second home in Tahiti. With an equally vivid imagination, I eagerly inquired, “Will it be all right if we visit you?” Terrific! I already had my dream vacation planned for the year. As January 1, 2012 approached, I had to deal with the serious business of whether or not I should make a resolution for myself. My first choice: “I resolve to eat chocolate every day of 2012.” Yes! That is one I can keep. It might be tough, but I was willing to take the risk.

Then I thought, maybe I should pray about this. I don’t mean to become “holier-than-thou” on you. But, if I am going to commit to something, on the first day of the year or any day, I’d better ask my Leader, God Himself, for His opinion on the matter. Actually, God’s Word has instruction we need to consider regarding making promises and vows (see Deuteronomy 23:21 and James 5:12). God takes our words seriously. So should we.

One Word

A couple weeks ago I was challenged by the article “My Spiritual Vocabulary” by Debbie Macomber (Guideposts, January 2012). Online her article goes by a different title, “Choosing Words to Live By,” as adapted from her book One Perfect Word: http://www.guideposts.org/stories-of-faith/choosing-words-to-live-by

Quoting Debbie, “Each year I choose one word to focus on and live by. These words have comforted me, challenged me and brought me closer to God. They have changed me.” A fascinating prospect. Some of her words have been: hunger, trust, brokenness, prayer, and hope. A year seemed like a long time to focus on one word, so I contemplated having a word for every month. It would not be a resolution exactly – more like a helpful tool to make my daily schedule more interesting, more focused.

“Spiritual” Chocolate

In December, Ama (our Ghanian exchange student daughter) and I talked about how we want to grow spiritually in 2012. We shared areas we need to work on – or rather depend upon God to help us change. Then came the idea … Ama’s favorite store-bought cookies are Oreos, so I used that treat to help us remember the essentials of spiritual growth:

O – Off/On (put off the fleshly choices, put on the Spirit of God and abiding fruit)

R – Rely on God

E – Encourage Each Other

O – Overview (accountability)

Ama was delighted! We’ve had fun encouraging and challenging each other daily, “So, how is O.R.E.O. going for you today?”

Thus my word for January was born: OFF (the first “O” in “O.R.E.O.”). I’m afraid Tim thought I was OFF my rocker when I told him about it. But, as soon as I explained, he seemed to appreciate the plan. Next month it’s going to be ON, then RELY, and maybe for April – June I’ll go with GOD, ENCOURAGE and OTHERS.

My OFFering

Adding this creative element to my life has been refreshing and powerful. Having the word OFF on my mind daily has helped me when I’ve wanted to eat too much, found selfish motives taking over, or noticed pride creeping in. It’s also benefited my Bible study, journaling, and prayer time. In Luke 5 Jesus told Simon Peter to put OFF human perceptions, directing him to re-attempt fishing after a night of failure. When the men returned with two boats ready to sink due to the colossal intake of fish, they realized Jesus was no mere man. Simon calls Him “Lord,” leaving OFF everything to follow Him in pursuit of a new line of work – fishing for men.

God is helping me put OFF some physical and spiritual weights…

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith …” Hebrews 12:1-2a

God is teaching me to put OFF my fears…

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37

I decided not to make any New Year’s resolutions this year. I don’t trust myself to keep them perfectly, and for me I think it would be more of a burden than a blessing. It is, however, my commitment to do my best to keep trusting and obeying the awesome God of my salvation. My choice to follow Jesus was the most important decision of my life, and it continues on into 2012. His grace makes it all possible!

Enough about me … how about you? Have you made any resolutions? God can help you keep them. Do you need to find a creative idea to refresh your spiritual growth? I’m praying that your 2012 is getting off to a great start. Now, if you will please excuse me, I need to sign off and go find some chocolate.

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January 6, 2012November 1, 2014 by Sara Categories: God Appointments, Holidays 2 Comments

God’s Love With Skin On

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth … when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb …“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Luke 1:39-43

As I watched The Nativity (a movie presenting the account of Jesus’ birth), I was struck by the importance and beauty of the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth. They not only had divinely ordained motherhood in common, they also shared the trials of pregnancy and all the changes that a new baby involves, even if that baby is the Son of God or a prophet of God.

Mary, being the only woman in history to give birth to the Son of God, must have had unique struggles. Yes, she had God’s Spirit upon her, but God also gave her someone “with skin on” to help her. Elizabeth! They encouraged one another to trust God in their special callings. How Mary must have benefited from Elizabeth’s wise counsel and comfort, while Elizabeth marveled at Mary’s faith and the privilege of being one of the first to meet her Messiah.

Mentoring is a gift from God. The dictionary defines mentor as, “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.” God gives us a blueprint in Titus 2:3-5:

“…the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”

Instead of this happening on a regular basis, we often rush around saying a quick, “Hello! How are you?” while running hither and yon to teach, sing, care for our husband and children, meet with committees, etc. We hardly have time for an edifying conversation with another woman! Mentoring isn’t always easy. It means stepping out of your comfort zone and making new acquaintances, spending less time with those who are like you. It can also mean making yourself vulnerable. But, no fears – there is a richness out there just waiting to be explored.

Finding a Mentor, Being a Mentor

God’s Word instructs us to be a mentor, while being mentored ourselves, at the same time. Please let me introduce the Discipleship Dozen …

1. Pray
God knows our needs and wants to meet them. Have you asked Him what you can do to be a mentor/learn from a mentor? We need to pray before we go to church, pray before we go to the store, pray before we walk around the neighborhood, for God to prepare us and make opportunities. A friend and I have agreed to pray over the Christmas holiday about the need we see for fellowship among women in our church.

2. Be Connected To God’s Word
Whether we have time for an hour-long study, or just a few verses on the run, it is critical to make that time. It’s as important as food, air, and water! The Word is alive, preparing us to minister and making the soil of our hearts fertile for growth.

3. Ask
Luke 1 tells us that Mary travelled to visit Elizabeth. How many times do we as younger women seek help from an older lady? Maybe we’re afraid to bother her, assuming she’s too busy or that she wouldn’t be interested.

As a mother of a teenager and two young boys, I crave adult fellowship. We all do, to differing degrees. There are many ladies at church I’d like to get to know better, but recently there was one I felt compelled to meet. We met at Bible study last year, and while I always enjoyed her input, I was too busy caring for my children afterward to really get to know her.  Recently I asked her if we could meet at Panera Bread, and we had a wonderful time of fellowship. I sat on the edge of my seat while Linda graciously shared her testimony with me. Hearing about how God has worked in her 60+ years made a huge impression on me. When I told her God is teaching me about submission, she groaned and said, “I don’t want to talk about that!” We laughed! Her down-to-earth kindness warmed my heart, and her lessons in faith inspired me to keep going.  She thanked me for inviting her to meet and said that in all her years, I am the first younger woman to ask her to “Titus 2” me. I can hardly wait to make another coffee appointment next month.

4. Be Creative
A few years ago, while attending a funeral in a large church, I walked into the ladies restroom and my jaw dropped. There before me was an easel with an attractively decorated board resting on it. On the board were little pieces of paper pinned to it: “If you want to learn to bake pies, call June at … (phone #).” “If you’d like to knit or crochet, call Sandy at …” I’d love to hear about the friendships and discipleship opportunities started through that simple avenue. Often the “physical” mentoring (cooking, sewing, walking together, etc.) leads to “spiritual” mentoring.

5. Be Available
One of my friends has helped start a mentoring group which meets monthly in her home.  While they all study God’s Word, the more experienced women can help the younger ones find practical solutions to common perplexities like, “How do I get grass stains out of jeans?” “What should I do to get my family to help around the house more?” “How can I help my daughter through puberty?”

While this group is made up of mothers, single women need mentors, too. I remember when some young women at church asked my single friend Ann to teach them about being a godly woman. How I wish I could have sat in on that study!

I’d like to add here something God did when I was not expecting it. Not feeling at all available, I ran into a friend at the church nursery on Sunday morning. “How are you?” she quipped. “I’m tired and grumpy!” I exclaimed. For days I felt guilty about my outburst, until I received a beautiful e-mail from that same friend. She thanked me for being honest with her about how I felt, instead of just saying, “Fine, how are you?” She said God used that to teach her to be more transparent with others. Truly, I had been struggling; but, I was in church that day! So, in a sense I was available, and God mercifully used me through my weakness.

6. Trust God
We may fear that we don’t have anything to offer other women, but we do! How do I know? We have God’s Word to share … and our own unique God given abilities and experiences. As my pastor’s mother recently told me, “God chooses people to bring into our path, because He has prepared us to meet their need.”

A couple years ago I talked with our youth pastor and told him that I had a growing burden for teenage girls. I knew it was from God, because for years I had been afraid of teenagers. So, for what was God preparing me?  Hosting teenage foreign exchange students! Last year my family hosted a daughter from the Philippines for ten months, and this year a daughter from Ghana graces our home. Talk about learning to trust God! God taught and is teaching me about mentoring while I spend time teaching the girls to cook, about American culture, piano lessons, the Bible, and more … lessons they will take back to their countries and teach others.  God promises to supply for what He calls us to do. Whatever you do, please don’t sit around and think you have nothing to offer someone else; that is a lie straight from the Devil. God may not call you to host a student, but He does have something important for you to do.

7. Keep the Focus On God
This is not about showing off my talent to quilt, jog, or bake. And we need to clarify when we are giving our own opinion as opposed to God’s written word. On the other side, be careful not to idolize women. Yes, they can be an example, but only God deserves our worship and obedience. Carefully weigh what your mentor suggests, prayerfully comparing it with the Bible.

8. Make Time
Do you believe that Satan can use our busyness for his glory? I do. We need to make room in our schedules to spend with other women of all ages. As a single woman you may have more control over your schedule. For those who are married, we need to talk to our husband and arrange a time when he can care for the children so we can go out. The entire family will benefit!

9. Bring Tissues
The growing process is sometimes painful. One pastor’s wife taught me to keep a tissue folded in my Bible for those tearful moments that arise for us or for those we counsel. You may even need to bring bandaids! God describes Biblical friendship and mentoring in this way – “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). We aren’t getting together to be a “mutual admiration society” (Thoreau, 1851).

10. Be An Example
People are watching us. And age doesn’t automatically bring wisdom: I often learn from the younger women in my life. Married women can learn a lot from single women – and visa versa. Even if you don’t have time right now to get together with someone to teach them, you are teaching every day by your example.

11. Respect God’s Work In Her Life
I love it that Elizabeth was not jealous of her younger cousin. True, she would not bear the Messiah, but she rejoiced with Mary for her opportunity. We also should be seeking to lift up women of all ages, honoring them where God has placed them. We waste precious time and energy if we compare our situations or gifts with others.  God gives each of us unique gifts. By not accepting this truth, we disrespect our Creator and disobey His plan (2 Corinthians 10:12).

12. Be Patient
God’s timing is often different than mine. A few times I have talked with my pastor’s wife about women I am concerned about in our church family. She patiently says, “Sara, give God time to work.” It has been exciting to see God work in lives, including mine, growing us more into His image over time!

Mentoring isn’t always a regimented meet-once-a-week thing. More often it is brief conversations that season our lives with grace, and the infrequent gatherings which water the flowers of our souls, helping us to grow toward God. As Jesus didn’t heal everyone who was sick, neither can we help every woman we meet. God can give us wisdom to know what He wants us to pursue.

With a new year just around the corner, let’s make room in our lives for mentoring and being mentored. It is a God-ordained essential element of our growth. And speaking of “God’s love with skin on” …

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5-7

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
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December 21, 2011October 21, 2014 by Sara Categories: Holidays, Mentoring Leave a comment

We Still Believe In Jesus

Looking at our under-the-tree nativity set and remembering why we celebrate Christmas

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” II Corinthians 9:15

Here we are in the middle of December, and all around us are reminders of what we are supposed to be doing … “Only eleven shopping days until Christmas!” I haven’t seen one sign that proclaims, “Only eleven days until we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior! What are you giving Him this year?”

Besides the wonderful account of the historical Saint Nicholas, we’ve heard bits and pieces of the lackluster history of Christmas. In many ways it remains a pagan holiday. At times I strain to hear above the roar around me …

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’ … And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'”

Luke 2:10-14

I have some dear friends who choose not to acknowledge the holiday of Christmas one iota. Others go way overboard the other direction, spending tons of money and going into debt. How do we keep a balance, honoring God in how we live out Christmas?

Last week, when my boys and I were in the check-out line at a store, a man dressed as Santa came over and started “Ho-ho-ho-ing” and asking my boys, “Have you been good this year? Do you know what’s coming in two weeks?” Normally I would’ve just smiled and kept busy, but the jolly man bedecked in red and white kept going on and on … “What do you want for Christmas?” My boys looked confused, so I explained to “Santa” and the checker that, “My boys don’t know about Santa.” I tried to say it as sweetly as possible. “Santa” went on to other customers, while our checker looked at me like I was evil incarnate.

That was the first time we had been approached by a friendly man dressed as Santa Claus. I should have expected it, but it took me by surprise. Our boys are ages five and three, and this subject has not come up before this year. Making a mental note that it was time to have a talk about Santa, I smiled at the man and told him that we choose instead to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Praying that I was not bringing harm to Jesus’ name, I was friendly and thanked him when we left. It was not exactly the way I had expected to live out the verse about being ready always to give an answer to every man who asks about the hope within me (I Peter 3:15). Next time I will be better prepared.

Today Santa is rarely portrayed as the original St. Nicholas, a kind man who loved God and people, giving unconditionally. Thankfully, we live in a free country where we can celebrate as we choose. At our house we rejoice at the coming of God’s perfect gift, Jesus. And part of the way we celebrate is by giving gifts to family and friends.

In talking with my friends, I’ve found that I’m not the only one who has been made to feel small and evil directly due to a conversation including the words “Santa” and “Christmas.” One friend sweetly suggested that in my situation I had won a sort of a battle. She is thankful that I said something, because many people think that the account of Jesus is just a fairy tale that no one believes anymore. Many of us still believe in Jesus! He is alive and strong, and His message of hope is as true today as it was two thousand years ago.

My friend Dawn has given me some practical advice. Here is what works for her family, and I think it is wonderful:

1. Always tell your children the truth. Stay true to God’s Word and the meaning of Christmas. Emphasize Jesus everyday.

2. However, you cannot ignore “Santa” … unless you keep your kids under a rock, they are going to see a guy dressed in a red suit, hear other kids talking about Santa, or get asked by a friendly adult “what did Santa bring you for Christmas?” Tell them the legend of St. Nick and how the idea of Santa got started. Talk about what a costume is. Talk about “cartoon characters” and playing pretend.

3. Teach your kids how to respond to others regarding Santa. (I learned this lesson the hard way.) I nearly got tarred and feathered by other pre-school parents because my son had taken it upon himself to tell his classmates the truth (I was told that I had ruined their child’s Christmas and stolen their innocence. Ouch!)

So, we talked about how other families are “playing the Santa game.” I told my kids that other families play a game and talk about Santa like he is real. And that my kids should not ruin the game. Instead, when asked about Santa, they need to say “Santa is fun, but I like to celebrate Jesus’ birthday the most!” This response has worked beautifully. It’s a chance to speak up for Christ, but not damage our chance to testify for Him again later.

If you find yourself in a circumstance, planned or unplanned, where you can tell about why you celebrate Christmas, consider it a bonus. And remember, the One who truly knows whether you’ve been naughty or nice loves you no matter what, and He would consider your love His best birthday gift.

December 14, 2011October 21, 2014 by Sara Categories: Holidays, Parenting Leave a comment