Peace in Chaos

If you are a reader of this blog, you probably know that Christmas is a favorite time of year for us.  I have written many a blog post over this season, the traditions we have, the joy we find in celebrating.  However, in true transparency, I must share that finding joy in the holiday season has not always been easy.

Last year, for example, was such a challenge.  It was the first year that we weren't with family for Christmas Eve.  It was also the first year that Zach had to work on Christmas Eve.  I really struggled with finding balance for our family with all the obligations we had.  I had a list a mile long of things I wanted to do as a family, activities and memory makers for our children.  I was so consumed with making Christmas as memorable as possible for our family, I was sucking the joy out of the entire season.  I broke one day, when all my well thought out plans went awry.  I was so focused on my ideas of what Christmas could and should be, that I forgot to even consider what my family wanted and needed out of this time of advent.

This year I vowed to not allow that to happen again.  However, now I find myself, two weeks from Christmas, and not at all in the holiday spirit.  Something is missing and I haven't quite been able to put my finger on what it is.

I smile to myself just now, reflecting on the ways God speaks to us.

Many of my friends and family know that my husband, the incorrigible Zach Bechtold, has a podcast with his good friend, Matt Franks, known as the Bearded Theologians.  Again, in true transparency, I admit that I am not a faithful listener to this podcast. (Sorry guys)  It's not because of anything other than I live with Zach and I listen to him all the time.  I mean, I have to hear his sermon twice on Sundays.  I love the guy and think he has thought provoking things to say, usually, but putting on their podcast isn't usually at the top of my to do list.  Today, however, in the midst of dealing with finishing Christmas shopping and tending to two sick and pitiful children, I pulled up a couple of podcasts and gave them a listen.

God finds ways to speak to us, even using our husbands.

The podcast I listened to came from last week and was about peace.  Finding peace. Finding peace within our self and through the gift of Jesus Christ.  There is no amount of decorating, baking, caroling, gifting, or cups of hot chocolate that can bring peace to this time of chaos and busyness.  Peace comes from one place, God, and we are responsible for allowing that peace to work in our own lives.  When we welcome peace into our own lives, that peace will be poured out into everything we do.  The chores of Christmas will become joyful, and that joy will seep into all that we do.

Welcome the peace.  Encourage others to find peace.  Take joy in the quiet times, realizing that we need those moments to hear what God is calling us to be, in that moment, and in the days to come.  Listen to who God is calling you to bring joy, happiness, and peace during the season of highs and lows.  Take the time to remember what is truly important, during this Christmas holiday and throughout the new year.

May peace be with you.

Take a listen to the Bearded Theologians podcast on peace below or at the Bearded Theologian website, where you can catch all their content: https://beardedtheologians.com

and give them a follow on facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/BeardedTheologians/?fref=ts

Small acts...

I enjoy Facebook, maybe even a little too much.  I could blame it on the fact that I am home with the kids all day, rarely seeing another adult, but I fear that would be merely an excuse.  Truth is I enjoy seeing what my friends and family are up to.  It helps me feel connected, which considering I rarely get to see any of my family and friends, is very important. 

A large number of my Facebook friends are parents.  I love seeing and hearing about the antics of their little ones and not so little ones.  I love seeing the photos from those who are parents to furry children.  Basically, I love hearing from everyone.

Some might call me nosy.  Perhaps I am, but honestly, I am interested in what's going on in the lives of those whom I care about.  There are those who like to pretend they are too evolved for Facebook.  There are those who will gladly post a million things but they "don't check their Facebook."  In other words, they have no interest in what other may have to say.

Why the Facebook rant? you may be asking.  Well, let me explain...to much, let me sum up (hehehe) - The other day someone that Zach knows posted a status.  Very basic, very standard.  He liked it, as he is prone to do.  This friend of Zach's (and I hope I don't embarrass them by stating this) then commented on his wall, expressing to him how happy that "like" made them. 

It can take so little to make someone's day, or to break someone's day.  One little acknowledgement from someone that yes, they are here, and yes, they care about what you have to say.  In a world where communication with others is mainly digital, it is so easy to reach out to others.  On the flip side, its also so easy to make another feel so very alone.

It's not healthy to focus on such little things, for sure, but truth is, sometimes we do.  Sometimes others do.  Right or wrong, regardless of how you feel about technology, Facebook, or the internet, little acts of digital kindness can go a long way.

In other news:

Zach is preaching for our friend Travis at church today, all three services.  He is nervous, but I have faith he will do wonderfully.  He preaches for Wesley but this being "our" church makes things harder for him.

Last night we got to eat some delicious custard with a group from Plainview on their way to San Diego for a mission trip.  It was wonderful to see their faces, kids and adults that were such big parts of our lives in Plainview.  Prayers for them this week.

Summer is almost over - yikes! I'm ready for a vacation!

I must now go and get ready to go hear my best friend!

Blessings to you on this day! What acts of kindness can you find to do today?

Back in the saddle...

Its been a while since my last post as my computer has bit the dust. I have mourned it's loss greatly, commandeering zach's iPad when he's not playing words with friends or perusing facebook. The entire family has spent the time since Christmas battling the flu and a cold that wont go away, while also trying to get back into the swing of work and school. I have spent my down time and sleepness nights in regular Mikel fashion, that is dwelling on things outside my control and having imaginary conversations in my head. I have also spent the time surfing the web, at least the web that my phone will allow. There have been many things that I have come across that has spurred the "wheels" into action that I felt warranted a blog post.

 Last night on Facebook I came across a picture that I have seen before and I'm sure you have too. This picture dipicts the difference in education between today and x many years ago, making the point that today's parents are more inclined to blame the teacher when their child fails. The picture I saw last night however, had one addition, the word "Ego" boldly written below the illustrations, as an explanation of the true problem with today's parents.

 Brilliance! That one, tiny little word explains it all. I see it all the time with parents, this unwillingness to admit that their child is in some way imperfect which may imply that they are not, in fact, a perfect parent, as they would like the world to believe. I get it, I really do. There is so much comparison going on among parents, each spouting that their way of parenting is the only way. I say, embrace your imperfections in parenthood. I'm well aware that there are people out there who criticize the way I am willing to vent my frustrations with parenthood. Some may say that i should just be grateful that I have two healthy children and quit my complaining. Well, I complain for a few reasons: first, if I don't vent about them, i run the risk of venting to them; second, it helps to know that whatever problem you may be having, you are not alone; and third, it keeps me grounded, because, no matter how bad I feel my children are being, it could always be worse.

 The past few weeks have been trying for me. I haven't felt well and neither have my kids. Noah has a cold, a terrible diaper rash, and is teething, creating days that are long and exhausting. On top of that, Zach is going out of town tomorrow for the second weekend in a row. Yes, parenting is hard, and I am far from perfect at it. However, I am reminded of a quote I heard some where, "If you don't view parenting as a near impossible task, you probably aren't doing it right."

That said, I want to make it clear that though I know I am far from the perfect parent, I am constantly striving to be better.  I owe my kids that much.  They didn't ask to have us as parents and they deserve the best of us.  Also, acknowledging my own weaknesses means I also have to acknowledge my children's weaknesses, which is necessary if they are to grow and better themselves.

Blessings to you all...