I have had many interesting conversations with friends lately regarding Hanukkah, so I figured, why not tackle the subject in a blog?
The conversations basically start the same:
them "you celebrate Hanukkah?"
Me "Yes"
Them "Oh, I didn't know you were Jewish!"
Me "I'm not."
Them (long pause and confused look)
It's at this point I get the distinct pleasure of doing 2 things I love: talking about history and talking about Jesus!
Hanukkah is actually a historical celebration of freedom, very much like our 4th of July. If you are interested in reading about the history of Hanukkah, I would encourage you to do so, at one of the many wonderful sites out there that have already done an excellent job in telling the story! My purpose here is not to recount the entire story for you (although if you'd like me to sometime, just ask! I am such a history geek!) Basically, Hanukkah is a historical celebration of the rededication of the temple of the Lord. Unlikely band of farmers and tradesmen become soldiers to defend their families, kick enemy butt, get their country and the temple of God back. Nuff said.
What I find so wonderful, is that all the readings associated with Hanukkah have to do with being a light to the World, and of course, looking forward to THE light of the world that was to come. The Messiah. Now the interesting thing to me is that Israel meant nationally, being a light to the rest of the world, showing them what it meant to follow God, how they were different. Enter Jesus on the scene. Think of the times in Scripture that Jesus refers to himself as "the light of the world". It is thought that these references all came during or very near to the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah!). Jesus Literally declared himself the LIGHT of the world! The fulfillment of all they had been waiting for.
Hmmm, I don't know about you, but this seems to have some personal relevance as well! It becomes a great time for me personally to check my walk with God. How am I doing? Am I furthering the cause of Christ or the Cause of Kate? How am I doing at pointing people to look at THE ONE who is THE LIGHT?
So, what exactly do we do to celebrate? My kids and I read about the history, and over the 8 days of Hanukkah ask ourselves very real questions about pointing people towards Jesus. We light the menorah and usually do whatever advent reading we are using this year by it's light (this year we are reading Bartholomew's Passage. REALLY AMAZING! ) We play the Dreidel game and talk about the reasons for the symbols and what they all mean.
It is working? Are they getting it? Well, sometimes you never really know if what you are teaching is sinking in. I think every parent out there can relate to that feeling! Sometimes you just do the best you can and then pray it works in the end.
However last night I had a wonderful moment. My son has taken a keen interest in making balloon animals. so much so that he has brought them to many places just to make them for kids! A few times he's brought them to Awana, and this week his awana leader asked him to bring them again so he could use him as part of the object lesson. He was psyched about it! When we got home he gave me the brief run down of what happened. His leader was talking about sometimes people think if they follow God with their life, He's just going to tie them up with all sorts of rules and knots, (holding up a plain balloon) BUT in the hands of the Master, He can shape their life into so much more. At that point Jonathan twisted it into a dog in 10 seconds flat. The kids got the lesson. In the Hands of God, we can be shaped into so much more than we ever thought to dream of! My son was so proud, but my mothers heart melted at what came next:
Me : "See son, your good at Balloon animals, and tonight you got to use your talent to point people to Jesus."
Son: "Yea!" Grinning from ear to ear, turns away to head to bed. then he stops and turns back. "Hey mom?"
Me : "Yes?"
Son: "I DID shine my light today, didn't I? Just like we talked about when we lit the Menorah?"
He got it. In that moment, the lesson became more than an ancient historical story, and suddenly became real. And he understood the point of it all. SO, even if every person I know thinks I am insane for celebrating Hanukkah when I am not even Jewish, I don't care. My kids are gaining some valuable lessons from it, and I am just grateful God brought it to my circle of influence 3 years ago. So my friends, I wish you all a very Happy Hanukkah!!!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving all!
What a great day to be thankful! The sun is shining bright off the snow, sparkling and shimmering is such a way that I almost like it! :) I read a fellow blogger sharing the very first Proclamation by George Washington, who established the first Nationally recognized celebration of the holiday. I was moved by it and thought you'd like the opportunity to read it as well! So thanks to George Berkin for posting this today!
President Washington set the first Thanksgiving for Nov. 26, 1789, a few short years after the hostilities with Great Britain had ceased. He called on his fellow citizens to publically express their gratitude for the divine help in that conflict.
Abraham Lincoln, during the troubled days of the Civil War, revived the practice of setting aside a day to render thanks to God. And in 1941, another troubled time, Congress settled on the fourth Thursday in November for this very American holiday. Here is George Washington’s proclamation in its entirety:
By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. Go: Washington
President Washington set the first Thanksgiving for Nov. 26, 1789, a few short years after the hostilities with Great Britain had ceased. He called on his fellow citizens to publically express their gratitude for the divine help in that conflict.
Abraham Lincoln, during the troubled days of the Civil War, revived the practice of setting aside a day to render thanks to God. And in 1941, another troubled time, Congress settled on the fourth Thursday in November for this very American holiday. Here is George Washington’s proclamation in its entirety:
By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. Go: Washington
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
ABC's of Thanks!
Being we are coming up on thanksgiving very very quickly, I thought this would be a great time to stretch my gratefulness muscles and list out at least some of the things I am grateful for! OK, I also saw some of my other friends doing it and thought it was a grand idea to put it in ABC form! SO, here goes:
A is for Apples. I love love love a good apple! (honey crisp are my fav's!)
B is for Bible, and I am grateful I can still own it, read it and share it publicly. May I remember to pray for those who do not have the same freedoms I enjoy.
C is for Coffee. My sweet, satisfying, multipurpose elixir of happiness!
D is for dad. No joke. I am so lucky to have him! He is one of the wisest people I know and one of my closest friends. I am lucky I get to see him as often as i do!
E is for Eric Dykstra and his awesome wife Kelly, our pastors at The Crossing Church. It is truly a blessing to have these 2 leading our church, and it's amazing to be a part of changing the world under their leadership!
F is for Food. Most of us have no concept if what it is to be truly hungry. Even in those times things have been tight, I have never been without food for my family.
G is for, of course, God. And by God I mean, God the Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy spirit. . Knee bent at the cross, He is the leader and Lord of my life. One way, no fast passing. Without Him..... I'd not be here writing this right now. And at the vary least my life would be major suckage!
H is for Hollianne. My sweet little girl who has magical hugs and smiles! She is my miracle baby, and my life is so much richer because of her!
I is for insane friends. (you all can now wonder if I mean that you ARE insane, or that you are insanely GOOD to me! Or, maybe your insane for BEING friends with me!)
J is for Jonathan. My lego-loving, star wars junkie, dramatic BOY. He keeps me on my toes every day, and has made my life full, boisterous, and incredibly fun! There is never a dull moment with you dude!
K is for kick butt movies! I really love a good movie! Our family loves to hang and watch a movie together!
L is for Laughter. It is always soothing to the soul and I am so glad the Lord gave it to us! What a great gift!
M is for Mike. Love of my life. My darling husband. The first man who has equaled me in stubborn resolve. Together we have conquered more than I believed I could ever live thru, and managed to take turns pushing each other to keep on and not quit! My husband has loved me thru the darkest moments of my life, and the deepest pits of my life. Without him and Jesus, I wouldn't be the woman I am today!
N is for Nana, which is what my kids call my mom. Since I used M for Mike, I had to find a space for her! My mom is also one of my best friends. And believe me as a kid I did NOT ever think that would happen! hardly a day goes by I don't talk with her, and I am so glad she lives so close. I marvel at how much she can accomplish when she sets her mind to it, (yep, the good side of stubbornness!) and how good she is at just loving on people. My mother also deserves her own food network show, that's how good of a cook she is. No really, I am not kidding. She's amazing, but she's also pretty humble and will probably hate it that I am bragging on her here! I could write a whole blog page about each of my parents and the blessing they are to me (which is probably a good idea, file that thought for later).
O is for odors. The good kind! some of my personal favorites include fresh baked bread, pumpkin pie, apple crisp, cookies, the ocean, and springtime after a rain!
P is for Pizza. Yep, love it in all forms. our personal favorites come from Solo's Pizza cafe!
Q is for Quality time with my family! I am constantly amazed that the things my kids remember most, are usually the simplest, and easiest and most relaxed our family was.
R is for remotes....so I don't have to get off my fanny to change the channel. this seems like such a small thing....but really......yea.....it's cool!!! We've all taken it for granted!
S is for the Sparkly Bible Babes! My small group and my closest friends, Y'all know who you are! I am lucky to get to do life with you ladies!
T is for Twix, my son's awesome rabbit. Seriously wasn't sure about getting a rabbit for a pet, but he's turned out to be the best one we've ever had!
U is for my uvula. I'm not really sure what it's for, but I'm pretty sure it's important I have one!
V is for our veterans, those who have served and given their time and sweat, bled and died for this country, to protect and serve. I could NEVER express how thankful I am for all of them! In fact I love thanking servicemen in person whenever I see them!!!
W is for Wheat, because I am a huge lover of freshly baked bread! There is just nothing like that first fresh slice of bread from the oven with butter.....MMMMM! That is one of those homey smells for me!
X is for X-citing X-periences!
Y is for my yard. I really have been blessed with a nice looking yard, and my kids have some good space to play!
Z is for zealous passion and vigor for life! Both for the portion God has allotted me of this, and also for those who spur me on to be Zealous for the right things!
SO, there you are! The ABC's of what I am thankful for this year! I found this really fun and a challenge to do! It's amazing how when you stretch those gratefulness muscles you find so much more than you can list! In the words of Steven Furtick, a pastor I respect, "Gratitude begins where my sense of entitlement ends". May we all spend this weekend unplugged from our entitlement addictions, and focused on the blessings that surround us!
Happy Thanksgiving!
A is for Apples. I love love love a good apple! (honey crisp are my fav's!)
B is for Bible, and I am grateful I can still own it, read it and share it publicly. May I remember to pray for those who do not have the same freedoms I enjoy.
C is for Coffee. My sweet, satisfying, multipurpose elixir of happiness!
D is for dad. No joke. I am so lucky to have him! He is one of the wisest people I know and one of my closest friends. I am lucky I get to see him as often as i do!
E is for Eric Dykstra and his awesome wife Kelly, our pastors at The Crossing Church. It is truly a blessing to have these 2 leading our church, and it's amazing to be a part of changing the world under their leadership!
F is for Food. Most of us have no concept if what it is to be truly hungry. Even in those times things have been tight, I have never been without food for my family.
G is for, of course, God. And by God I mean, God the Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy spirit. . Knee bent at the cross, He is the leader and Lord of my life. One way, no fast passing. Without Him..... I'd not be here writing this right now. And at the vary least my life would be major suckage!
H is for Hollianne. My sweet little girl who has magical hugs and smiles! She is my miracle baby, and my life is so much richer because of her!
I is for insane friends. (you all can now wonder if I mean that you ARE insane, or that you are insanely GOOD to me! Or, maybe your insane for BEING friends with me!)
J is for Jonathan. My lego-loving, star wars junkie, dramatic BOY. He keeps me on my toes every day, and has made my life full, boisterous, and incredibly fun! There is never a dull moment with you dude!
K is for kick butt movies! I really love a good movie! Our family loves to hang and watch a movie together!
L is for Laughter. It is always soothing to the soul and I am so glad the Lord gave it to us! What a great gift!
M is for Mike. Love of my life. My darling husband. The first man who has equaled me in stubborn resolve. Together we have conquered more than I believed I could ever live thru, and managed to take turns pushing each other to keep on and not quit! My husband has loved me thru the darkest moments of my life, and the deepest pits of my life. Without him and Jesus, I wouldn't be the woman I am today!
N is for Nana, which is what my kids call my mom. Since I used M for Mike, I had to find a space for her! My mom is also one of my best friends. And believe me as a kid I did NOT ever think that would happen! hardly a day goes by I don't talk with her, and I am so glad she lives so close. I marvel at how much she can accomplish when she sets her mind to it, (yep, the good side of stubbornness!) and how good she is at just loving on people. My mother also deserves her own food network show, that's how good of a cook she is. No really, I am not kidding. She's amazing, but she's also pretty humble and will probably hate it that I am bragging on her here! I could write a whole blog page about each of my parents and the blessing they are to me (which is probably a good idea, file that thought for later).
O is for odors. The good kind! some of my personal favorites include fresh baked bread, pumpkin pie, apple crisp, cookies, the ocean, and springtime after a rain!
P is for Pizza. Yep, love it in all forms. our personal favorites come from Solo's Pizza cafe!
Q is for Quality time with my family! I am constantly amazed that the things my kids remember most, are usually the simplest, and easiest and most relaxed our family was.
R is for remotes....so I don't have to get off my fanny to change the channel. this seems like such a small thing....but really......yea.....it's cool!!! We've all taken it for granted!
S is for the Sparkly Bible Babes! My small group and my closest friends, Y'all know who you are! I am lucky to get to do life with you ladies!
T is for Twix, my son's awesome rabbit. Seriously wasn't sure about getting a rabbit for a pet, but he's turned out to be the best one we've ever had!
U is for my uvula. I'm not really sure what it's for, but I'm pretty sure it's important I have one!
V is for our veterans, those who have served and given their time and sweat, bled and died for this country, to protect and serve. I could NEVER express how thankful I am for all of them! In fact I love thanking servicemen in person whenever I see them!!!
W is for Wheat, because I am a huge lover of freshly baked bread! There is just nothing like that first fresh slice of bread from the oven with butter.....MMMMM! That is one of those homey smells for me!
X is for X-citing X-periences!
Y is for my yard. I really have been blessed with a nice looking yard, and my kids have some good space to play!
Z is for zealous passion and vigor for life! Both for the portion God has allotted me of this, and also for those who spur me on to be Zealous for the right things!
SO, there you are! The ABC's of what I am thankful for this year! I found this really fun and a challenge to do! It's amazing how when you stretch those gratefulness muscles you find so much more than you can list! In the words of Steven Furtick, a pastor I respect, "Gratitude begins where my sense of entitlement ends". May we all spend this weekend unplugged from our entitlement addictions, and focused on the blessings that surround us!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)