Sunday School Ornaments

What tree is complete without a few Sunday School ornaments on it? I cannot even remember who made this one, but it is faithfully on the tree for the last few years. It is special to me because the children made it and it represents that part of each of our lives when we could simply worship Jesus by using crayolas and construction paper. What a wonderful concept to take the time to enjoy who Jesus is with the creativity and freedom that coloring can bring!

Dakota was coloring for me a coloring page that she brought home from Church this week. I have included it below. I love that Jesus has a pink face and the manger has a very fashionable blanket. Dakota worked very hard on this picture and after some time she looked at me and said, "Mom, I want to go there!" I asked her where she meant. "I want to go to Baby Jesus!" she replied. I asked her if she meant the place in the picture? "Yes, Mom. I want to go there. It is dark and the moon is outside" and she went on in her own way to describe the scene. The realist in me almost started to explain to her that we cannot actually go there, but Jesus is in our heart, etc. Then I stopped myself before I began. Why can't we go there? Why can't I let her enjoy that beautiful curiosity and belief that so many of us have put away. I have to say I was envious of Dakota in that moment. My hard heart that disbelieves so much and struggles in so many ways would soften to mush if I could just once again pick up a crayon and color Jesus, and all at the same time long to be part of the picture!

Cross Stich Ornaments

I made these our first Christmas together. I believe I started them before we got married and had them ready for our first Christmas tree. Does anyone cross stich anymore? I got to thinking about that when I was looking at them this year. There was a time that this was a very popular craft. If you have ever cross stiched before, you know how much detail goes into something even as simple as this ornament. First you must have all the colors of thread. There is a special code for each color. You have to find that exact color at the store and arrange all the colors before you even begin. There can be multitudes of colors in even the smallest cross stich pattern. Then comes the map. The map tells you exactly where to start and how many rows of each color goes on the cross stich fabric.

I got to thinking about our lives as Christians. We are always being prepared by God aren't we? We are complicated in that God has many plans for us and never uses us just as we are. He brings people and experiences into our lives to help us be prepared for what He has for us. Just like the multitudes of colors in the cross stich, these people and experience make us a masterpiece in the end. It isn't always easy to see the outcome in the beginning stages. It usually doesn't make sense, but God sure knows what will be the big picture because He is the one holding the map.

Cross stich projects are never quickly done! I think that might be the reason they aren't as popular as they used to be. Have you ever seen a Cross Stich for Dummies book? I haven't! There isn't any shortcuts to this craft. It is a craft of patience and painstaking detail. We desire the quick and easy with full results. God doesn't get the glory in that. It is the masterpiece woven with many colors that brings God the glory.

Pilot in Training

I bought this for Brent in 1999 from a pilot catalog. Brent flew a lot during this year and loved each minute of it. I was so happy to see him doing something that he loved so much. Unfortunately he has not been able to fly in a long time. I pray that one day he will be able to get his pilots liscense and have the ability to fly.

God gives us crazy dreams and desires to keep us alive inside. Everytime I find myself in a dark,lonely place, I also find myself void of any dreams or aspirations. God's gift to us is the desire for adventure! It is what keeps us alive at times of hardship and stuggle.

Reindeer

I received this ornament when I was in elementary school from a childhood friend. I still have it to this day and it reminds me of the joys of childhood. We lose the appreciation and wonder of the simplest things as we grow older. I still remember that this was a special ornament that you could only get if you bought a certain amount of gift certificates from McDonald's. It was such an honor to me to own a unique ornament such as this. I remember thinking this to myself!

McDonald's was such a special treat and seemed to have some magical value to me. Today most children view the experience as just another dinner in the car on the way to somewhere! How things change! I long for these days once more where McDonald's was a magical treat and getting a special promotion was the highlight of my Christmas!