Christmas

I got a daily devotional booklet this year from a dear friend. Most weeks I’m too busy to remember that I need a daily devotional, much less take the time to read it, but yesterday’s thought said, “We do not remember days, we remember moments. Make each moment worth remembering.”

There are so many moments I have from this season (most of them involve being with someone and feeling loved): singing carols, lighting candles, hearing bells, the re-telling of the story of the first Christmas by children in church dressed in bath robes–I love the kids who wave at their parents from the front of the church–I always wave back (this morning, the children of our church led worship), watching Christmas cartoons (Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, the Grinch, Peanuts Christmas, Frosty The Snowman), reading books (Polar Express–great book–if you don’t have it give it to yourself, the Night Before Christmas, Christmas Mouse), hot chocolate, warm fires and watching the lights from the tree–I have a live Christmas tree partly because I like the way it makes the house smell. Like my dad, I’ve always been a night owl. I love to sit alone in the living room with all the lights off, except the tiny lights on the tree blinking around in the room. I don’t know where your happy places are, but that’s one of mine. Memories of Christmas past come back as I watch that light show and everything else is still and peaceful.

Yesterday we got our tree–brought that baby home to decorate. Max–at 2 1/2 years old–asked me what is “decorate” the tree and all I could think of was making our tree pretty. Then I tried making it special, then I tried putting ornaments on it. Then I just said, “you’ll see”. We untangled the lights and tried to get them all working. I don’t know why I bother trying to figure out which bulb don’t work–I found a new string for only $1.64. We put up ornaments, trying to find the right place for them–well placement is a must. Together Max and I, with Ron’s help and Zach’s pointing, got our tree up and decorated, complete with star that was way to heavy for our initial tree top.

My prayers for this Christmas are that we soak up the moments of this season–
the moments we are together with friends and family
the moments Christ comes to us even in little ways
the moments God uses small things to give us a sense of peace and surround us with love like no other
…and that we will find time to be still (I guess that’s what I need this year)
that we enjoy the moments–the doing-together stuff, even more than the “we have to get and give stuff;”
that we’ll remember what Christmas is all about relationships–ours to God in Christ (both the baby and the adult) and ours to each other.

Okay one last story, tonight before bed I was straightening the living room after decorating the tree. You know putting away boxes, extra lights and tidying up. We have a new nativity scene this year thanks to a friend. This nativity is a cloth one for a child. All of the foam figures were thrown around the floor. As I started to put them together I couldn’t find the baby Jesus in the manger or anywhere else. I looked for a long time for that baby. I remember that Max and Zach had been putting the figures in this antique looking bird house I have near the table the nativity was on. The baby Jesus was safely caged in the bird house. I freed baby Jesus and put him back where he belonged. If you are looking for the Christ child this season, remember to look in unlikely places, like a stable. There’s a song or a sermon in that idea. Have a Merry Christmas! With love, Celia

Mountains Or Beach, by Ron

This has been a unique two weeks for the Whitler family. Rarely do we get to the mountains AND the beach in one month. Our event calendar had us at both with only 36 hours in between. I’m not crazy about the forced choice question–I love both! Our mountain event was a youth leadership event in Estes Park, CO. Snow was falling and in that winter wonderland we listened to Christmas music. At the event, we explored the theme “Christians Under Construction.” We talked about God’s role in that endeavor and our individual and corporate roles in our growth. At the beach event in Fort Walton Beach, FL, we’re taking a look at encountering God. One of the things I love about the beach is the shore line. It’s that dynamic line where all of the ocean meets all of the land–2 different substances encountering one another. Max and I have explored that line–we sneak up on it and run from it. The line has a lot in common with the place where God meets us. During the event we’re taking a look at some waterfront encounters with God. Celia will be in St. Paul, MN on Sunday and we’ve got a year end visit to Houston to wind up our travels. It’s been an incredible year!! So how ’bout you . . . beach, mountains or both?

Memories

On July 2, 2002, my sister, Grace Ellen Sirman Marcel, unexpectedly left this earth. From all that my family has learned, she died in her sleep. The Sunday before her death, she had gone to church, read scripture during the service and sang in the choir. That evening she e-mailed family and friends and had dinner and watched a movie at a neighbor’s home. Remembering a loved one after they are gone is one of the best tributes I can think of–the little things about them, the things that carry with you for your lifetime. So if you’ll allow me a moment of personal privilege, I’d like to tell you about Grace. I called her Gracie. She was almost 11 years older than me. Here are some of my memories from when I was a kid:

. . . looking up to she and my brother David. They got to play in the deep end of the pool with the big kids, while I had to stay near the steps in the shallow end. One day I’d be big too.

. . . sharing a bedroom when I was little. Each night we’d try to get the other to get up and turn off the lights.

. . . learning to ride a bike as she and David helped me. Down our street we’d go… all three of us… me screaming don’t let go… eventually one of them would let go and I’d go flying.

. . . playing dress up with her clothes and make up. There’s nothing like a little sister getting into all your stuff.

. . . writing in books I wasn’t supposed to write in–books that she and my brother had with their names in the front. I scratched over their names and wrote my own…. colored in them… stamped pictures in them. I’m sure there were times that she thought none of her stuff was sacred.

. . . watching her dance in the living room one year when she was home from college. It looked to me like she was just marching around, but I remember her insisting on teaching me her dance. I was the only kid in 4th grade who knew how to do the hustle.

. . . going to see gymnastics at the Superdome in New Orleans–Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci–Grace took me. I thought I was in heaven. It was the most inspirational thing I’d ever seen.

. . . watching her plane land when she’d fly home from college and thinking one day I’ll fly, too.

. . . knowing she was in the audience at musicals I was in and at my graduations.

We also shared the love of music. Our family sang together both informally in the living room and for all kinds of occasions. I thought all families sang in 4 part harmony. Even during tough times we would come together and there was peace around the piano. It was the one place that other things didn’t matter: age, tastes, personal differences, paths determined by life choices — our differences faded as we sang together. We each had a part and we all had something to offer. Grace loved music–she loved singing songs of faith — singing in the choir, singing in the contemporary service at her church, learning new pieces, singing at Cursillo and Walk To Emmaus retreats. She also loved listening to music. I found music everywhere–in her house, in her bedroom, on her computer desk, in her car, even in the trunk.

As adults, Grace and I would visit over holidays or when I was singing near her, but mostly we’d talk by phone, and she loved to forward emails she’d think I’d enjoy. She loved being an aunt and she loved pictures that I sent of the boys.

As I remember Grace, there are a flood of things that come to mind. Our common past, last conversations that we didn’t know were last conversations, last visits, things I’d like one more chance at, dreams we shared, hopes for the future. I remember her fondly and I will miss her.

I know God is in the midst of this time. Her faith was something we talked openly about and I trust she is in heaven in communion with the saints. One day I’ll join her to feast at that heavenly banquet.

On Favorites, by Ron

Day before yesterday Max shared a brand new word with me . . . “favorite”. I’ve never heard him say it before. It’s kinda funny that his first use of the word was to describe a video he’d never seen before. He was carrying a video tape he had selected for viewing from a drawer of tapes. The tape didn’t even have a picture on it–just some random shows we’d recorded to watch, but Max wanted to watch the tape he’d chosen. I guess a it was a new strategy to use in an attempt to get the world to respond to what Max wanted (not that adults ever exhibit that kind of behavior–I can’t imagine where he picked it up.) I know what his favorite video is, we’ve seen it many times, sometimes more than twice in a day. I can sing all the songs to it–and it’s not my favorite video. I still don’t know where he got the word favorite–if I’ve used it around him, it was insignificant to me. Max has made the word significant.

Speaking of significance . . . last week in worship, we heard a sermon about a story that I’ve heard before. It had been a fairly insignificant story to me, but I doubt it’ll ever be insignificant again. It was the story of Cornelius from Acts 10. The turn of events in this story radically changed the church–we’d be a very different church without Cornelius. One of the central elements of the story is a vision from God. Some Bible stories seem pretty distant to me, because they happened so long ago. But as I listened to Cornelius’ story, I smiled, thinking of my friend, Adam (that’s not my friend’s real name.)

Adam and I are pretty different people. If you know me well, you know I’m pretty down to earth (though I’m really careful about saying what God doesn’t do). Adam, on the other hand, sees visions from God–nothing on the everyday sort of frequency, but about every ten or fifteen years, Adam has a vision that I believe comes straight from God. I’m not talking about a post-burrito kind of dream–I’m talking about a vision like right out of the Bible, that forces Adam to make sweeping changes in his life. Several months ago, I spoke with Adam about the events leading up to his most recent vision, about the vision itself, and about Adam’s response. It was an incredible story that took place over the course of two or three years. I can assure you that Adam was a faithful disciple before his vision, but Adam’s life has changed radically. Adam doesn’t share all the details of this story with many people, and I feel pretty privileged to know the whole story. When you know the whole story, you understand. Being faithful has had a high price tag for Adam. Adam had to lay it on the line. I’m not sure I want instructions that are that clear from God.

Adam’s and Cornelius’ stories are incredibly similar. Knowing Adam’s story has made Cornelius’ story come alive for me. My word for you is to be on the lookout for the significant–it’s out there. Read Acts 10 and think of my friend Adam, it’s still happening today.

God’s Peace, Ron

Ps I’m also more aware about my use of the word “favorite”.

On Sharing Your Faith

People I meet on the road send me a variety of emails. I try my best to get to them. Below is one containing a question I received from a teenager along with my reply.

The question: “Celia . . . I am writing to you because I have a problem. One of my very best friends does not believe in God. I want to reach out and tell her that He will guide her and make her life better, but she is too stubborn to learn. I am confused because she is such a great person and she deserves better than what she is getting, but I don’t know how to make her trust that the Lord will help her. Can you help me by telling me ways to reach out to her and let her know how great the Lord our God is? I would truly appriciate it . . . Your friend in Christ, name with-held”

My response: “great to hear from you..thanks for your note… this is a tough one… first I would pray for this person and pray that I would have the right words to say… and pray that I would be a good listener when they needed me… second I would be sure my lifestyle… my behavior is one that she respects… and is a Christian witness.. hard to talk about something we are not doing… next I would invite her to places where she might hear about God, like church.. my youth group.. special retreats… rallies.. we have a Sat. pm contemporary service that the youth help out with …something like that would be great…share books or music that reflect your faith…… and last I would look for teachable moments… opportunities to share your faith with her… intertwined with your daily living… and if that doesn’t work… just come out and say it… ‘I love you … you are one of my best friends.. I have found something that is so wonderful and gives me joy and comfort during the hard times and I’d like to tell you about it…. my faith is my foundation.. Jesus Christ is like a friend to me and could be that for you’… let me know… and oh… be yourself… don’t worry if you don’t feel like you have the right words… God will help you… love Celia”

How are you doing sharing your faith with others?

On Snow

What is it about snow that brings out the kids in each of us…. makes grown people go sledding… catch snowflakes on their tongues… makes us want to curl up in front of a large window with a big mug of hot chocolate, a cozy fire and just watch…
… being from Louisiana.. enjoying snow was not part of my upbringing…. when I travel north … youth are surprised that I didn’t toboggan as a kid…. 2 things were missing from my childhood that would allow me to enjoy that pastime… snow and hills…
…one winter it did snow… not just little flakes… BIG snow as Max would say… big flakes… and in the morning it was still there… as luck would have it I was home sick that week… and was not allowed to go outside and play… the agony of it all… it makes me sad just thinking of it… ugh!!!… when my mom busied herself in another part of the house… I hurriedly put on boots and a coat and walked outside in our back yard… it was huge… and blanketed with snow… I remember it was if it were today… down the steps… carefully as not to slip… around the shed… and back near the clothes line is where I found a moment of pure joy… I quickly laid down in the snow… and you guessed it … made a snow angel…. it was perfect… what a feeling… as I walked away from my masterpiece… it didn’t occur to me… this was the thing that would tattle on my road trip from the house… I quickly made my way back into the house… put my clothes and boots away.. and crawled back on the couch.. thinking no one will ever know…. as I am learning …moms see and find out most things we as children don’t want them to know.. when confronted about the snow angel… I nonchalantly lied… and said I have no idea what it is doing there or who would do such a thing… after some time I came clean and suffered the consequences… more time on the couch….
… it never snowed again while I was growing up and it wasn’t until college and a trip to Colorado did I make more snow angels….
… it’s the whimsical way the flakes fly around… it’s the whiteness of the ground.. it’s the dream of snowmen and snowball fights….making ice cream….getting to stay home from school… renting movies and cuddling up with our loved ones…. sledding with friends…. as a pastor friend of mine says with a laugh…it’s a chance to marvel at God’s great handiwork…. whew! That’s Good!…..
…. it’s a little thing that we can enjoy on earth… and isn’t it the little things that add up to the big things anyway…
… I wrote this several days ago as I watched it snow outside my window… not enough for a snow angel today…. but one day soon Ron, the boys and I will enjoy the pure joy of our creations…. till then…. God bless
Celia

Year End 2001

Zachary McKay Whitler joins the family, “So Far” — a new recording & 39 events in16 states
It’s been a big year for us and a wacky year for our world. Who’d have thought at the beginning of 2001 that we’d end up here.

We’ve had a great year. We’ve expanded our family with the addtion of Zach. If you haven’t checked him out at http://www.celiamusic.net/infopages/zachpage.html, he’s a looker. And we completed another recording. It takes a lot of work to get to the finish line on a project, but we’re glad we made the trip. “So Far” is celia’s best recording to date. It reflects the acoustic nature of Celia’s performance. Our travels took us all over the U.S. We met some wonderful folks along the way.

(listed by state, city)
Bauxite & Mountain Home, AR; Prescott, AZ; Escondido, Julian & San Diego, CA; Breckenridge, Broomfield, Denver & Wheatridge, CO; Fort Walton Beach, FL; Indianapolis, IN; Lafayette, LA; Shreveport, LA; Mio, MI; Minneapolis & St. Cloud, MN; Mocksville & Salisbury, NC; Devil’s Lake & Grand Forks, ND; Alamogordo, NM; Columbus, OH; Athens, Collierville, Franklin, Madison & Nashville, TN; Arlington, Austin, Plano, TX; Ferrum, VA

On Advent, by Ron

Advent, a time of preparation. It started a little early at our house this year AND it was a baby we were waiting for.

When I read the Christmas story I don’t often think about all the work that goes into bringing a new life into the world. I just think about the picture of a sweet baby in a warm manger. I guess that’s what hearing a story or songs over and over does, but I’ve had my infant refresher course for the year. There was a lot of getting ready that got done at our house. We had to move furniture, paint, get more baby stuff, get more little diapers (you quickly forget how small those things are), pack bags for the trip to the hospital . . . and wait. Your life goes on hold when you’re waiting for a baby. (Somebody once told me that there are few things in life that you have less of a say in than what your birthday will be.) We got it all done and then waited and waited some more. We got up early and watched the leonid meteor shower in the morning. We went to our church’s thanksgiving dinner and had a great time. We stayed for the cleaning up of the gym and then went home. Within a few hours, we knew it was time to head to the hospital. So we called Max’s designated sitters for the few days we’d be out, and off we went.

It’s an incredible experience to be in that room–my best count is that there were five of us there–and then there were six of us there. The other thing that’s incredible to me is that we each arrived like that: there was a room with people in it…and all of a sudden there was one more. Zach had his weighing in and warming up and breathing exercises. Then I watched this new life lay on a warming table and take in his new world for the first time.

Back to the Christmas story. It’s pretty easy to forget that against the backdrop of that often-told story, a young couple goes through all the emotions, fears and hopes that we do. Setting out on a donkey with a pregnant wife and no hotel reservations is not the way they teach you to handle travels during those last few days of pregnancy. We were told to keep our cars full of gas, but the story doesn’t tell us many details about the preparations that young couple made. It’s incredible that God chooses to enter their story (and our stories) the way all the rest of us make our entry. God shows up through the same vulnerable, incredible, dangerous, exciting birth experience through which we have all arrived.

Part of what I love about this season is that the story happens for us on two levels, past and present. When we celebrate Christmas, there are 2 births we turn our attention toward. The one in the past and the birth of new life in our present. The one in the past is that story we’re all so familiar with. (My favorite rendition is Linus’ story from the Peanuts.) The present story is about the birth (and rebirth) of Christ in our lives.

The challenge I throw out for you this advent is to remember that you’re planning for a birth in your life this season. Consider doing something specific this advent to help you celebrate the present arrival of Christmas in your life. Celebrating the original Christmas is the easy one–it’s all around us. The other birth is the quieter one. It comes as a whisper, but it’s one that deserves just as much preparation. So pack your bags, buy your diapers and wet wipes, get ready and wait to be surprised again.

Have a Merry Christmas, — Ron

ps. I’ve got to share this. We’ve got this wooden cut out nativity set. It’s 3 very simple pieces: Mary Joseph and the baby Jesus in the manger. It’s painted really simply so if you’re not familiar with the story, you might not even recognize the pieces as people. So Max at all of 19 months, notices that the virgin Mary is shaped like his T-rex bath toy (and he’s right–it is). He goes around the house making growling sounds and waving Mary at you. I wish you could see it. I guess we experience Christmas (& life) where we are and this’ll probably be Max’s only Mary/T-rex year. So we’ll enjoy it while we have it . . . and we’ve got some ‘splainin’ to do.

Zach

Zachary McKay Whitler joined the family on November 19, 2001 at 1:47 pm. Thanks so much for your prayers and support. We have some much to be thankful for.

enjoy the journey, Celia Whitler

ps. To view a few pictures, follow this link

http://www.celiamusic.net/infopages/zachpage.html

The Little Things

Last month I sang at First United Methodist Church in Collierville, TN (Memphis area). Sandra, an associate pastor on staff did the children’s sermon that morning… it was on Thankfulness… she talked to the children about the little things… simple things in their lives to be thankful for. As I sat there, I was aware of the huge things in my life that in recent months seem even more cherished… my faith… my family … friends… my health… but it was a true reminder to think of the small things in our lives that we often don’t celebrate… Krispy Kreme donuts… (ok I’m 81/2 months pregnant… I go by there after I see my baby doc and weigh in …. )… pansies… Max’s blond curls…. how Ron’s eyes sparkle when he laughs…. a gorgeous sunset–it’s my favorite part of the day…. my mom’s Thanksgiving stuffing… (I have tried to reproduce it… but it’s never as good!)…. having lunch with my girlfriends…. watching Michael Jordan play basketball (that might be a biggie)…. my favorite flannel pjs…. holding a new born baby (it won’t be long)
…. I get so caught up in the big things in my life… I am praying that God will allow me to take joy in the little things… that are coming my way…
…maybe they are the big things anyway……… this is my prayer for you as well.

Celia

ps. Thanks for the quote George. Amen to the “wonderful message to be found at the local church of your choice this weekend!”
Follow this link to the Broomfield News (Colorado).