Home for the Holidays

Can you remember what it was like before cell phones, computers, internet, and texting? I know some of you reading can't, but I can. There's one vivid memory I have.

It was Christmas. My first Christmas as a wife, a military wife at that. My first Christmas in a foreign country and my first Christmas not to be at home. Although it was all so new and exciting, my heart ached and my soul cried "there's no place like home for the holidays."



Subscribers click here to watch the video. Seriously you have to click and watch. This is the most amazing video! Applause to T-Mobile for this creative video surprising mall-goers at the Chicagoland area Woodfield Mall.

My first Christmas away from home was 30 years ago and way before the techno age. We woke up early that morning. It was freezing cold in Germany and I was disappointed it wasn't a white Christmas. This would be a special Christmas as it was our first as a married couple, but it wasn't the same not being home. We eventually dressed and headed to a friends to place our call home. The phone lines were busy most of the day.

It was $3 a minute to phone Texas from Germany. Finally late in the afternoon, our call went through and then it was the waiting game waiting for the operator to call back with a connection. After hours of waiting, the awaited long distance call finally came.

It was mom and dad's voice. The tears began to flow, but I tried to keep a happy tone in my voice as I told them about our day. We just got deep into conversation when the phone went silent. We had been disconnected. Oh. how. the tears poured then.

We never got reconnected that day. It was the most bittersweet Christmas I had had because there truly is no place like home for the holidays. If you've ever been away from family and friends at Christmas, you know. That reminds me, I'd love to hear your story about being away at Christmas.

I am so thankful for my cell phone, the internet, and all the technology we have. It makes days like Christmas so much easier to connect with loved ones if we can't be home for Christmas.

For the holidays you can't beat home. sweet. home!


This post is sponsored by T-Mobile.


Join me at Five Minute Friday.

what's so special about a birthday

It's that time of year where we all focus on the birth of Jesus. We marvel at the silent night (which I don't think it was) and the baby born in a manger (can you imagine the smell and sounds). We are thankful the Christ babe was born.


It is a beautiful picture.


But have you ever thought about the birthday's of the Christ-child growing up? What were they like? Did Mary throw a big party? Did they gather with pointy hats and rams horns? Did He asks for gifts? Did Jesus consider each year he was here a gift?


I have a special friend, DeeDee Sharon, who knows very well the blessings of having another birthday. Diagnosed with cancer in 2008 she became a fighter. A fighter who was an inspiration to many as she journeyed those dark and lonely days of chemo.


DeeDee wrestled with grace and strength that could only come from the Lord. She continued to work, lead ministry and sing with the worship team wholeheartedly. She was a shining example to me to remember that every moment is precious and to be used passionately. Hallelujah, we can rejoice that DeeDee is cancer free today.


While it's the season to celebrate Christ's birthday, I'm also celebrating along with the American Cancer Society the many birthdays that have taken place since. May we all remember that each year we are here on this sphere we know as Earth, we are blessed with life to love and serve others!


This post is sponsored by American Cancer Society.