I am happy and content. 

Yesterday was an awesome day at church.  I received a lot of "happies" for Christmas, and while I certainly know it is not about the gifts, it does warm my heart to receive unexpected ones.  Those are the ones with extra love attached. 

The Cantata was awesome.  So many people stepped out of their comfort zones to sing solos and learn lines that my heart nearly bursts with joy.  It's nearly bursting with love too. Everyone did an incredible job.  They each gave 110%.  Afterwards my choir presented me with flowers and chocolate.  (Doesn't get much better than that. )  Someone commented on how much the choir loved me.  All I can say is that the feeling is truly mutual.  I have so much fun with them. My parents weren't able to come to the Cantata, but some dear friends...nearly family...traveled 2 1/2 hours to see it.  That just made my day.  Speaking of friends, the sanctuary was filled to the seams with friends and family of those in the choir and drama.  And I was afraid few would venture out on the 23rd of December, at night!

And I wasn't prepared for the overwhelming response to the Christmas/prayer boxes.  But oh, it fills me with great joy to know lives were touched by them.  I also gave out a few Christmas Bears this year.  Again, I'm filled with joy knowing someone's Christmas burden is a little lighter because of them.

Last Friday was our Family Christmas Day.  No arguing or complaining.  We had a great time with our adventures.  I racked my brain for the present search this year.  Finally, I decided to do picture clues.  What fun watching the kids run around the house trying to figure out where the next clue was! LOL!  They even said I did well.

Christmas isn't even over, yet I feel blessed beyond measure. 

I'm having tons of trouble formatting a post here.  I FINALLY had it completed, then,  when I clicked "view" it was lost.  I don't have the time nor energy to go through all that trouble again.  So, please, hop over to my other blog to receive my Christmas gift to you.

Mildred's Gift

Well, all vestiges of Christmas have finally been banished to plastic crates and containers.  Putting away all the festive embellishments of the season always makes me sad, but it was made easier this year by the fact the outside temperature is 76 degrees!  Now that things are settling down, I've time to reflect on the past Christmas season and post my thoughts on "Christmas Magic"

        I cried Christmas night. Perhaps it was from sheer exhaustion…trying to make the holidays special for too many people.  Perhaps it was the realization that our children are growing, and it gets harder to surprise them each year. It could be a combination or even a hormonal imbalance (I’m over 40 you know.) But I’m beginning to wonder:   Could it be disappointment?  Could it be that my inner child still longs for and misses the “magic” of Christmas?  The wonderfully enchanting expectation of the season?  (Perhaps this stems from the purely selfish anticipation of Santa and surprises under the tree. But let’s be truthful, who doesn’t enjoy a special gift?)

        The Christmas Story itself is a wondrous, “magical” tale of Royalty, danger, love, the unimaginable becoming reality… “God with us”.  It even provides a surprise ending…death and resurrection. And though we hold this Story dear, it is the same story every year.  Can we admit we want something new… a confirmation that miracles still happen?  A sign that God is still with us?  (A surprise or two wouldn’t hurt, either.)

        While drifting off to sleep I pondered this “Christmas Magic” and how it had eluded me one more year. I was beginning to understand why many elderly no longer get excited about the season - they’ve lost their sense of expectancy.  Yet suddenly, a new light shone on my thoughts, and I realized (much like the Grinch) that Christmas’ magic had indeed touched my life, just not in the way I expected.

        It was in…

        …the invitation to dine with friends at a Japanese restaurant…a place I’d never been before.  I didn’t even have to pay.

        …“together” time DD14, MIL, and I had fulfilling DD14’s Christmas wish to go on a shopping spree, and it was in going through the “hobbit door” to dine at the Mellow Mushroom.

        …the sound of my 17 year-old rock “star” singing Christmas Carols in Liturgical Latin, and hearing that same son say, “I thought I would buy things people will actually like this year.”

        …baking cookies with DD10 to give as Christmas gifts.

…the overwhelming responses I received regarding the “Christmas Bear” ornaments. 

        …the unexpected gifts from friends.

        …the hug of an elderly gentleman happy to be remembered at Christmas time.

        …the joy of watching my daughters dance for the Lord at a nursing home during Christmas Holidays.

        ….the love of DD10 who spent nearly all her Christmas money making sure Mom and Dad had surprises Christmas morning.

        …going to Old London with DD14 to catch a glimpse of old Ebenezer Scrooge on his most critical night.

        …being together on our Family Christmas Day eating out, going to the movies, doing a service project, shooting firecrackers, and hunting for presents – together. 

        …a husband who drives all over God’s creation looking for a stranger’s home to deliver gifts to – without complaining.

        …the laughter at my parents’ house as the entire family sat around the living room listening to DS17 share his wit…he was at his best.

        …my step-father-in-law’s comment, “That smoked, fried turkey is just for you.  I know how much you like it.”

        …the carols at my home church Christmas morning amid memories of Christmases past, and in finally singing “O Holy Night” as a special (a desire since my youth).

        …the note left by my dear husband: “I love you, and I appreciate everything you do.”

        I’ve finally realized the real “magic” of Christmas comes subtly in special moments scattered throughout the season.  Treasures to be unwrapped and savored slowly - cherished one at a time.  To the undiscerning they may not seem extraordinary at all, but then again, to most of those living in Bethlehem neither did that Baby in the manger. 

        May the “magic” continue throughout 2006.    

© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2005

The Undeserving

 “Organized chaos” – that sums it up.  Well over a thousand large cardboard boxes had been neatly arranged in rows separated by narrow aisles on the floor of this old department store.  Each open box contained a varied selection of games, puzzles, toys, and clothing.  Amongst these boxes, dozens of people scurried like ants whose bed had been disturbed. Outside, scores of people waited in line for their turn to enter and claim free Christmas gifts for their children, gifts donated by generous folks all across the area.  The day was December 22, 2004:  distribution day for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and Toys for Tots annual Christmas charity. 

As volunteers for this event we Jeffcoats were among the multitude of “scurrying ants”, better known as “runners”.  We waited as one by one each recipient was registered and directed to one of many tables where their assigned number was given to us runners who then searched to find the corresponding box. Once located, all items found there were scooped up and brought back to the table to be double checked, making sure each child in that family had been provided for.  From there,  runner and recipient picked up a food box and, going assembly line style, received potatoes, bread, and finally a hen to go with the items it already contained.  Then the food box and gifts were taken to that person’s vehicle for unloading before the process began again.

Dozens of bustling volunteers, scores of waiting recipients, and hundreds of loaded boxes flooded the building at any given time…but everyone knew where to go and what to do (usuallyJ) hence:  Organized chaos.

While walking among the mass of boxes hunting correct numbers, I was utterly overwhelmed by the generosity of the community.  Actually, “generosity” is really a rather weak word in this case as it does not begin to describe the vast number of items people had bought to make Christmas happy for strangers. This was the Christmas spirit come to life.  It looked as if every department store in the area had been relieved of its toys. I couldn’t even begin to guess the monetary value of such bigheartedness, and the thought of all the love and kindness represented in that room would have moved me to tears, if I hadn’t been so busy.

Recipients came in all shapes, sizes, and ages:  Mothers, grandmothers, fathers, all waiting patiently in line for their turn. Some wore smiles. Some looked stressed. Some were obviously very poor.  Most were extremely grateful.  But some of my “warm fuzzy” feelings were cooled by that first lady DD13 and I helped.  She didn’t say one word to us as we struggled with her generous load.  There was no offer to help, and not so much as a “Thank you” when we finished and wished her a Merry Christmas.  If only she could have read my mind, she’d have received more than food and toys; she’d have gotten an ear full.  Something like, “You sure do have an attitude, woman.  Your children will have a wonderful Christmas because someone you don’t even know spent their valuable time, money, and energy buying things you could not afford yourself.  I’d think the very least you could do would to be grateful and say, ‘Thank you.’  You act like you’re owed this, but in reality, you don’t deserve such gracious generosity!”   (It’s probably a good thing she couldn’t read my mind.)

I tried to put this encounter behind me as we rushed to help other, more grateful, more “deserving” people, with their packages, but I couldn’t.  You see, though the woman couldn’t read my mind, God could, and He had something to say.  Something like, “You sure do have a self-righteous attitude girl.  I’ve given you an abundance of gifts that will last forever.  Even when you didn’t know Me, I paid a tremendous price you could never afford.  Are you truly grateful?”

Am I truly grateful or do I act as if somehow God owes me something?

In reality, I deserved hell; He gave me heaven.

I deserved punishment; He gave me forgiveness.

I deserved death; He gave me life.

I deserved abandonment; He gave me Himself.

I was spiritually bankrupt; He paid my account in full.

I was unworthy; even so, He loved me.

I was trapped; He set me free.

I didn’t receive what I deserved; I received what I didn’t:  Grace.

These are the true gifts of Christmas, given to me extravagantly; all wrapped up in Jesus Christ, the Spirit of Christmas come to life.  The least I can do is show my gratitude by freely passing His grace along.

© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2004

Live Where?!?!?

(December 16, 2000)

            (Note:  My family and I served two years as missionaries in a muslim part of Europe.  The population of our town and its surrounding villages was around seventy-five thousand people. About thirty-five thousand of those were refugees or “displaced persons”.  A mile from where we lived was a refugee center.  DH, along with some others, tried to improve the conditions there, but it proved to be an overwhelming task physically, financially and most of all spiritually.  Here are some “Thoughts” on that situation. I talked about this in one of our newsletters.  I think you'll know why I'm reprinting it here.)

Several newsletters ago I shared with you some of the conditions at the nearby refugee center.  Remember that each building contains eight apartments consisting of two rooms (including the kitchen) and two shared bathrooms.(That is two bathrooms for eight apartments!)  Each of the bathrooms has a shower and a Turkish toilet.  (In case you don't know...."Turkish toilette" is a nice way to say "squatty potty".  That's all I can say in mixed company.) I'm sure you can see that the refugee center will never make Better Homes and Gardens.  Add to that the fact that many of the buildings have no water and I think you will understand why "my halo slipped" the other day. (To quote a friend of mine.) 

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    DH and I had been discussing the situation at the refugee center.  While the task of making sure each apartment has running water is a monumental one, their greatest need is bigger than that.  They desperately need the Living Water, which is Christ Jesus. Yet they don't even realize they are spiritually dehydrated.  The lives these people have lived are beyond my comprehension.  They are strong Muslims who have been forced from their homes and villages due to the "ethnic cleansing" we've heard so much about. Satan's lies, destruction, and hate have ripped their lives apart. What is the best way to share the light of Christ with them?  I think DH "hit the nail on the head" when he said, "I bet it would make an impression for Christ if we went to live with them at the center." 

     (Here's where my "halo" slipped.)

     Wait just a minute!  Live with them?!?  At the refugee center!?!  No running water!?!  No private bath!?!  I hope you're kidding! The mere thought sent shudders down my spine and nearly sent me into a panic. I am incredibly grateful that the center is full, and it is probably against the rules for us to live there.  (To be honest, I don't even want to ask.) However I’m sure DH is probably right.  It would take someone living the New Life in front of them while facing the same struggles and hardships they face each day to really make an impact.

     It’s got me thinking......

     Even the grandest house in the best section of the best city in the best country of the world (even with 5 full baths, constant running water, and maid service) doesn't begin to compare with the majesty and splendor of heaven.

    Who in his right mind would trade heaven for earth?

    Who in his right mind would exchange perfect joy and peace for eyes full of tears?
    Who in his right mind would leave a place of perfect comfort for a place of suffering?

    Who would take his feet off of streets of gold to walk in the dust?

    Who would trade the adoration of angels for the scorn of men?

    Who would give up eternal life for death?

    Praise God that Jesus would, and did!

    The step from our B. home to the refugee center is nothing compared to the quantum leap Jesus took when He left heaven to come to earth.  Why did He do such a crazy thing? 

    Because He knew that the only way for us to have Living Water was for Him to bring it to us Himself. 

    He knew that we have to be shown things, not just told. 

    He wanted to make an impression on us by living the Life in front of us while facing the same struggles and hardships we face each day.

    And, because of His love for us, He wanted to give us victory from the lies, destruction, and hate Satan throws our way.

            “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – which means, ‘God with us.’”  ~ Matthew 1:23

        I won't say that I won't go live at the refugee center should an opportunity present itself.  (I've learned the hard way that God often has us do the very things we said we wouldn't.)  I will say that I don't want to.  I'm not ready to.  But blessed be the name of the Lord that Jesus was.  That's why we celebrate Christmas.  Not "Us with God", but "God with us".  May we all have a full realization of the magnitude of the gift we were given at Christmas time. And let us be truly grateful.

            In Awe of Him with you,

       Drewe Llyn

(c) 2000 by Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat

Something Fishy 

            I should have been ashamed of myself for waiting so long.  I knew it would only get worse as time went by, but it was such a nasty and disgusting job that I just kept putting it off.  However, when it became so murky in there that it was hard to tell if the fish were dead or alive, I knew something had to be done.  The goldfish bowl had to be emptied and cleaned.  Yuck!  The awful truth was this: That fish bowl had become so revolting it turned my stomach to look at it much less to think about putting my hand in there. 

            While watching the poor fish swim in their filth a strange thought popped into my mind, “What if I had to become a fish and swim around in there in order to clean it up?” Double yuck!!  (I’m afraid that would be going too far and it would just have to stay dirty.) 

            Then God reminded me of something.

            “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags...” ~ Isaiah 64:6

            If all the righteous acts of everyone in the whole entire world are filthy rags, how much more disgusting and wretched must the sin of the world be in God’s eyes?  In reality we were living in a vile “fishbowl”, swimming around in the filth of sin when God looked down and saw our depraved condition.  Instead of cringing at the sight and turning His back, He thought of a plan to rescue us from the dirt of our own making.  It required drastic measures.

          “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God....The Word became flesh     and made his dwelling among us..”  ~ John 1:1 & 14a

          “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!”     

~ Philippians 2:8

            Jesus lived with us in the fish bowl of our sin, yet He was without sin.  He experienced the suffering of humanity first hand. God didn’t just reach His hand out to clean us up on the outside, He became one of us to show us how to live and clean us up on the inside.  How great is God’s love for us!!

            We celebrate that day.  The day God left the splendor of heaven to live with man. We call it Christmas.

            The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and         they will call him Immanuel - which means, “God with us.“

~ Matthew 1:23

I thought I'd share the Christmas Spirit from a teenager's perspective.  Never mind this teenager was me, many moons ago.  (I won't tell how many moons that was.) I penned this for my school newspaper The Cougar's Tale.

     Hurray!!! Christmas time is here again.  How can I tell, you ask?  Can't you feel it?  The Christmas Spirit is in the air...

     It's that feeling of warmth inside on the coldest of days.

     It is in the stranger that calls out, "Merry Christmas!"

     It is the Christmas Spirit that inspires super busy teenagers to take out time to go Christmas carolling.

     It causes Mom and Pop to dig a little deeper for the Salvation Army Santa.

     With the Christmas Spirit in us, it doesn't really matter that the church play we've been practicing is the same one we did last year, and the year before, and the year before that...

     It turns a starry December sky into the Heavenly Host of two-thousand years ago. 

     It touches our hearts when we hear children singing "Silent Night" even though they forget some of the words.

     It fills our hearts with compassion for those less fortunate than we. 

     It causes us to speak to the lonely old man who always sits on the court house steps.

     It is the Christmas Spirit that reminds us that this was the night so long ago that a baby was born that changed the life of mankind.

     The Christmas Spirit is Christ:  All He was, is, and will be.  It's the Love He shares, the Peace He brings, and the Hope He gives to all who will receive Him.

     May the Spirit of Christmas be upon you.

(c) Drewe Llyn Polk (Jeffcoat) 1980.

(Ooops! I guess that does tell how many moons!)