ChristianMilitaryWives

Today is a day of joy in celebrating Christs birthday, but to me today is also a day where I miss my family and all that "used to be."

Growing up, we would go to my Grandmas every year on Christmas Eve.  We would have a great time of family fellowship.  Sure, presents were included - but I really don't remember what gifts were given to me.  Well, okay - the truth... I remember Grandma and Grandpa always giving me a big box of socks, pjs and underclothes.  :)

My parents, brother, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins would go to Grandpa and Grandmas every year.  A few years ago, Grandpa passed away, but we continued to go see Grandma.  This year, I was unable to go home to visit.  Even if I went home, it would have been different of course because I am older, cousins are not around as much... my parents and oldest brother moved down to Florida as the rest of my family lives in Michigan. 

I am in a good central location I suppose.  North Carolina.  The weather is mild and we have a great church.  We have everything we need, yet - I do get a lonely feeling sometimes.  Lonely for family, and this year hubby is not even deployed. 

Military families move around often, and if our husbands are here or away - I think most of us end up feeling lonely for family if we can't go home for the holidays.  Even when we do go home, so much has changed since we are military that it's just not the same.

Not only do we deal with missing family, but many of us deal with missing friends or family who were killed in war.  Soldiers and those who have PTSD experience holiday depression more so than others.  Be sure to visit the links at the end of this article to find immediate help, or if you just need to talk to someone.

I try to remember to thank God for the good things in my life.  For the blessings He has given.  Am I the only one who gets a little dose of the holiday blues? Here are a few verses to help us remember that God is God, He is loving and He can fill any void we have.

"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." --John 14:1

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." – Matthew 11:28-30

Remember, when you are feeling down - pray.  The Lord is here for us always.  He knows how you are feeling, and it helps us to talk to someone who REALLY cares.  We all know that the Lord cares about us more than anyone does. 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ" – Phil. 4:6.

• Army G-1, Army Well Being Liaison Office - 1-800-833-6622
• Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline - 1-800-984-8523
• Emergency - 911
• www.armyfamiliesonline.org - 1-800-833-6622
• www.militaryonesource.com - 1-800-342-9647
• National Suicide Hotline - 1-800-SUICIDE
• www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

I cannot go throughout this Christmas season without mentioning how greatful I am that I get to spend my favorite and most precious holiday with the one who means the most to me...my husband. Having gone through multiple holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries without him, it means so much more to me that he is home this year! There isn't any way I can completely express my emotions and my thankfulness for this, but I have tried in "the makings of a song." I meant to work on this more in the last week but I just haven't found the time. The song does have a tune but nothing I can share yet, so right now the lyrics will have to do. I hope that this song will be a blessing to EVERY military wife, whether her husband be home or far away this Christmas.

Last year the war took you so far away

You were serving your country on Christmas Day

I stayed behind and sent Christmas to you

Apart once again, we tried to make do

Chorus:

But you were close to my heart, near in my thoughts

Our love grows stronger, no matter what

Each year that passes, I simply recall

Having you in my life is the best gift of all

 

This year you're home and I'm happy to say

That we'll be together on Christmas day

I'm wrapped in your arms and our gifts we can share

Time spent with you is a treasure most rare

Chorus:

And you are close to my heart, near in my thoughts

Our love grows stronger, no matter what

Each year that passes, I simply recall

Having you in my life is the best gift of all

 

Next year we aren't guaranteed Christmas day

You could be home or be so far away

We'll snuggle and laugh, or just try to make do

I'll kiss you, or miss you, but this much is true:

Chorus:

You'll be close to my heart, near in my thoughts

Our love will grow stronger, no matter what

Each year that passes, I'll simply recall

Having you in my life is the best gift of all

     Now available on DVD, THE PERFECT GIFT is an inspirational Christian movie about the reason behind the Christmas holiday.  It is an extremely well-made production for the entire family.  This is sure to be a Christmas classic.  Like other Christmas classics it makes viewers seriously think about situations/relationships in their own lives and leaves them feeling hopeful in the end.  It explains the sad truth that Christ is being excluded from Christmas – it is like the whole world throwing you a birthday party… and you weren’t invited!  This question in the movie urges viewers to think how the world has commercialized Christ’s birthday, does not even acknowledge Christmas as His birthday.  An example of this is that in America it is not widely acceptable to say “Merry Christmas”; we are expected to say instead “Seasons Greetings.”  The film highlights the meanings of some popular Christmas symbols like the tree, wreath, candy cane, and the nativity. 

      THE PERFECT GIFT is the story of a spoiled young girl, Max (Christina Fougnie), who feels cheated that Christmas is on her birthday.  Max is too consumed with her birthday gift list and cake to be concerned about Christmas.  Her overworked mom must ask neighbor, Tony (Matt Wallace), to watch Max after school.  While hanging out at the church where Tony works, Max meets a mysterious drifter, Jess (Jefferson Moore).  Jess helps Max, Tony, and the whole community understand why we celebrate Christmas.

     THE PERFECT GIFT reveals in a loving way the meaning of the perfect gift.  A hint – it is NOT something you can buy.  It tells the unchangeable story of Christmas in a humorous and exciting new way.  The film has an uplifting message about standing up for what you believe.  The film has a very talented cast and high quality production.  The theme song Emmanuel (You are with me) written by Tim Brown and Mark Smeby is extremely moving.  It is performed by Mark Smeby who also acts in the movie as bad guy, Blaine Pollett.  You can find out more about the movie, view a study guide, and purchase the film at www.perfectgiftmovie.com. 

     THE PERFECT GIFT is a great way to start the Christmas season and is a Christmas must see movie!

The Wives Who Wait

Twas the night before Christmas
And there all alone
I saw a young woman
Who sat by the phone

For what was she waiting
On this holiday night
Where were the stockings
Christmas tree, lights?

I saw one little tear
As it rolled down her face
And she curled up in a blanket
Then looked round the place

Something was missing
Someone not here
In her face I saw sadness
Did I also see fear?

I paused and I wondered
What could it be?
That would cause a young woman
To look so lonely

How could anyone so precious
Choose such a life?
Then I realized this woman
Was a soldiers wife.

Her gift for this Christmas
Is to hear that phone ring
“Hey baby, I miss you
Don’t worry about a thing”

Each day I thank God for the soldiers that serve
Ever willing to fight and lay down his life
But how often do I ever remember think
About the young woman who is that soldier's wife

Thank you God for these women
They are just as strong
They sacrifice daily
And without help get along

So God please protect our soldiers
On this holiday eve so late
And give an extra hug
To their wives who wait

(written by Jeannie Lining, my mom, during OEF deployment 2008)

On Black Friday, Claire Shackelford and I teamed up to tackle the topic of Keeping The Spirit of Christmas.  So often times, stores spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to create promotional ads about upcoming sales that will take place on Black Friday.  The commercials are always geared to targeting individuals that celebrate Christmas in one way or another.

On the podcast, Claire brings up the fact that we have seen deaths in the United States associated with Black Friday.  Store workers who have been trampled to death because of eager shoppers trying to find a great deal.

We talk about how we can all remember how to keep the focus on Christ.  If you have not heard the podcast, you can download it and listen free by clicking HERE.  I hope you are blessed by listening.

Here's a wonderful poem that Claire read when she opened up the show...

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

-Author Unknown

Be sure to listen to the podcast, Keeping The Spirit Of Christmas with Hostess Claire Shackelford and Co-host, Patti Katter.  Also note, we talked about BRONNERS Christmas Store.  Here's the BRONNERS website.

In the beginning, there was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God. This is really where the Christmas story begins, before the beginning of time.

In the beginning, there was God, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, dwelling together. God decided to make man in His own image, to fellowship and commune with Him. We betrayed God, and not understanding the gift of being with Him, we wanted to be better than Him. We traded eternal communion and relationship for sin, sickness and death.

There was only one way for humanity to be redeemed. Only one way for our tainted blood to be purified, and that was with the blood of One who was perfect. He had to go of His own volition, and His Father had to send Him.

There is no way for our minds to comprehend this. There is no allegory, no metaphor, nothing to compare it to. There was a God, pure and perfect, dwelling as One with his Father and Spirit, omniscient and omnipotent. He lived forever in the spiritual realm, a kingdom of light and beauty. He made a people He loved but did not love Him back, and even though they did not love Him, He decided to give His blood for them.

He came to earth. He came from the best possible circumstances to the worst. The surrounding conditions, from heaven to a barn, were not the worst of it. He was physically cut off from his Father, from His Spirit. He came, not as even a great man, but as a helpless baby; as far as the world knew, an illegitimate son born like a barn animal. He was born to manual labor and snide remarks, ridicule. Because of His birth, evil men plotted His death and murdered innocent babies. He traded in His royal mantle for one of shame.

This is the story of Christmas. There is a God who became man. We skip the God part and go straight to the becoming man part, but really, it’s the understanding of the deity that is the True Meaning of Christmas. But it’s so much more than that; it is the True Meaning of Life.

If Christmas is the one day of the year we meditate on Jesus’ divinity and His descent into the world, then we are sorely lacking. If we have to battle through the commercialism of this day to teach our children a lesson we can’t bother with the rest of the year, we are ineffective Christians at best.

The Bible tells us to be either hot or cold, not to be lukewarm Christians. What is more lukewarm than setting aside only one day of the year to dwell on the basic tenets of our Christianity?

We should not be afraid to feast on Christmas. We should not be afraid to give our children gifts, good and plenty. We should not be afraid to give ourselves over to celebration this one day, because we should be in the habit of dwelling on the Christmas story every day of the year. The gifts, the food, the festivity should not be a distraction from our mediation on True Meaning of Christmas; it should be the culmination of it.

“Dear Jesus, we do not understand what You gave up to come to earth to be one of us, the best of us. Even though we do not understand, we thank You. We love how You love us, we love how You first loved us, before we even existed. Please give us revelation and understanding of who You are and what You did for us.

“Thank You Father, for giving your Son to us, for His life as a man and death on a cross. Thank You for His resurrection and His imminent return. We unite with the Spirit and ask for His quick arrival. We say, ‘come.’

“Forgive us our lethargy and apathy, and change our hearts. Thank you. Amen.”

Anyone who has lived in or on Fort Bragg and/or near Fayetteville, NC longer than a year has most certainly heard of A Dickens Holiday Event that happens downtown every year.  It's a wonderful tradition.  If you have not heard of it  - here's the information.

10th Anniversary of A Dickens Holiday

Produced by the Arts Council with the Downtown Alliance

A Family Tradition Continues
On Friday, Nov. 27, from 1 until 9 p.m., Historic Downtown Fayetteville will again be transformed into a unique and wonderful experience.

Ever wish for a simpler time … when the pace of life wasn't hectic and families still enjoyed spending evenings together? Roll back the clock with us for A Dickens Holiday.

Horse drawn carriages roll up and down Hay Street, carrying shoppers the old fashioned way by merchants, artisans and vendors of all sorts of delightful treats. Joyful children pose with Father Christmas for memory laden pictures. The inviting aroma of cider and gingerbread permeate the chilly air.

Perhaps you will be greeted by Tiny Tim and his family. Or maybe you will encounter Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past. Throughout the day, sounds of the season fill the air as carolers and musicians stroll among the crowd. Don’t miss the exhibition of professional chefs competing in the Dickens Holiday Classic Gingerbread Competition in the Rainbow Room.

As darkness approaches and the clock reaches 5 p.m., townspeople gather in front of the Arts Council for the candlelight procession to join behind the carriage carrying Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens to the Market House. There, the two will address the waiting crowd followed by the tree lighting. For a special “audience” with the Queen and Mr. Dickens, visit the Metropolitan Room, where both will be greeting the public at 6:45 p.m. You won’t want to leave as shortly thereafter, the Dickens Costume Contest begins.

The evening continues with a fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.

A Dickens Holiday is sponsored in part by:

The Fayetteville Observer, Fayetteville PWC, the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

 To see the Fayetteville PWC's "Community Connection" video
of A Dickens Holiday, click here.

Be sure to catch these special events:

 Hot Cider & Gingerbread help keep you warm throughout the day. Vendor stalls on every block of Hay Street. 50¢ each.

Preserve a lifetime memory with a picture of you and your loved ones with Father Christmas
and our authentic Victorian sleigh at the Arts Council Building $5 per print.

Amazing holiday entertainment at the Arts Council Building and the Metropolitan Room, Green Street at the Market House.

Create an original Victorian ornament to take home or hang on the community tree. 1-7 p.m. at Fascinate-U Children’s Museum.

Watch professional chefs build magical gingerbread houses right before your eyes. 1-5 p.m. at the Rainbow Room. $500 first prize award! Winner announced at 6:30 p.m. Vote for “People’s Choice Award” until 9 p.m.

TUBACHRISTMAS free concert hosted by Hay Street United Methodist Church. This all tuba and euphonium concert is a holiday tradition first started at New York’s Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink in 1974 and has been performed all over the world. Anyone who has ever
enjoyed a Tuba Chr istmas concert will never forget this unique experience! Get a sneak-peek at the Metropolitan Room stage.

Victorian Carriage Rides 1-9 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a “Dickens” downtown on our big decorated horse-drawn hitch wagon. Only $10 for adults, $5 for children. Tickets on sale at 222 Hay Street beginning at noon on the day of the event. Come early – they sell out fast!

Queen Victoria Carriage Rides 1-9 p.m. Enjoy a longer, more personal tour of historic downtown Fayetteville in this intimate setting. Tours leave from the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum, Franklin and Maxwell streets. $15 per person. Discover treasures of the Transportation Museum and marvel at the Victorian model train display while you wait for your carriage. Advance ticket purchase recommended by calling (910) 678-8899.

This Victorian Life display on 2nd floor of the Market House - exhibit of authentic artifacts and historic information from the mid to late Victorian period.

Candlelight Procession and Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:30 p.m. Gather in front of the Arts Council Building at 5 p.m. for the candlelight procession to the Market House. Pick up a free candle at selected merchants while shopping during the afternoon, or in front of the Arts Council Building.
Join thousands of townspeople for Fayetteville’s largest candlelight procession, led by Queen Victoria herself! Enjoy a brief performance by Gilbert Theater actors atop the Market House! Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria will address the townspeople and Tiny Tim will “throw the switch” to light the Community Tree!

A Dickens Costume Contest 6:30 p.m., free admission, the Metropolitan Room. Win cash prizes in men’s, women’s, and children’s categories. Entry fee only $10. Contestants model authentic Victorian costumes from the Dickens era (1830-1860) that they have created. This fun, popular event begins with a “Piccadilly Promenade” and a fire-side chat with Charles Dickens.

 White Candy

White symbolizes the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus

Hard Candy

Symbolizes the solid rock, the foundation of the Church and the firmness of the promise of God

Peppermint Flavor

Like that of the biblical herb Hyssop which was used for medicinal purposes and symbolizes healing

“J” Shape

To represent  the name of Jesus who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the “Good Shepherd” with which He reaches down into  the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who like sheep have gone astray.

Red Stripes

Red color symbolizes the atoning sacrifice

Large Red Stripes

Blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Smaller Stripes

The stripes of scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. Three stripes also symbolize Trinity- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Candy

Meant to be broken and shared, just as His body was broken that we might share in His inheritance and also that we might share it with others.

 Making a Difference this Holiday Season

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

1 John 3:17-18

Charitable giving fell last year by the largest percentage in five decades, according to a new study by the Giving USA Foundation.

Now I am aware that most of us can’t spare hundreds of dollars, but there are “cheap” or free ways to make a difference. I think it is very important for us as parents to teach our children to show kindness and grow a charitable heart. Also, we need to teach our children that charity and kindness should be done privately without the want to be recognized or praised, that contradicts the act of charity.

 

“Do all the good  you can and make as little as fuss about it as possible.”  Charles Dickens

 

 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:1-4

 

 I think it is wrong to force children to do charitable work, instead find something that the whole family can enjoy and feel proud of.

 

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  

2 Corinthians 9:7

 

Sit together with your family and discuss ways to make a difference this Holiday Season, make a list, print and put on the fridge,

I will post several tips over the next few weeks.

Many Blessings,

Melanie

My DH and I have been talking a lot about Christmas lately.  It will be our 1st Christmas together as a family!  We talk about our traditions we had growing up and what Christmas really stands for.  My parents lavished gifts on my sister and I.  We loved it that's for sure but now that I am married with a child of my own I want her to have a gift of giving.  I find myself being very selfish as is human nature, but I want her and myself to share the joy we have because of our Lord and Savior and how He gave the ultimate gift for us.  So as a new tradition in our household...we will all give a gift to someone in need this Christmas and every month of the year.  When we give of ourselves, we receive joy.  I don't know if any one else's church has an angel tree or something similar at Christmas but my daughter, even though she won't be 1, will choose a child to give to.  Also, there are always organizations that need help.  Our church also has a Women's ministry which gives to the local women in prison.  Anybody else have any suggestions?