I Believe in Santa Claus

This time of year I remember watching Garfield Goose on TV in Chicago.  Somewhere around this time of year there was a special mini movie that the host, Fraiser Thomas played to officially kick off the Christmas season.

I've always loved Christmas time, the lights, the decorations, the tamales.
Around 3rd or 4th grade many of my friend's parents told them that Santa Claus wasn't real.  Of course each one seemed to think that it was their job to make certain their peers learned this (supposed) truth.
Personally, I've held on to my belief in Santa.

I know what you're thinking, "This is a Christian blog.  You're a dang pastor for crying out loud!"  To that, my response is (respectfully) "Get over it."

I understand that we celebrate Christmas to mark the birth of our savior Jesus.  His life and sacrifice of that life are the foundations of our faith!

But believe there is always room for Santa.
When my kids were at the previously mentioned age where all of their friends tried to ruin their Christmas, they asked me "Dad, is Santa Claus real?"
My answer was always the same, "I believe in Santa Claus."
Here's why:
-Santa encourages kids to be good.  I know I never wanted to be on his "naughty list."
-Santa promotes generosity- I loved the stories my dad used to tell of how he would get some toy or gift made from materials his parents re-purposed in to something special just for him.  Often the original item was something of value that his mother or father had given up to make the day special for the family.
-Santa brings joy- or at the very least temporarily allows us to forget our differences and unite.  Who can hear that loud "Ho, Ho, Ho" without at least cracking a smile?
And
-Santa takes us back.  When I see Santa I feel like a kid all over again.  How can that be a bad thing?

This year I wore my Grandpa Woody's Santa costume.
It was one of the most fun experiences!  Walking the streets of downtown Madison in full costume was a blast!  I had people honk and wave, and almost everyone answered back when I shouted out "Ho, Ho, Ho!  Merry Christmas!"
The church kids at the party I attended lit up when they saw Santa.  Even the adults had a great time being kids again.
I can't wait to be one of Santa's helpers again next year!
-- Interesting true fact, my Mom's maiden name?  Claus!

That's the Santa Claus in which I believe!

Merry Christ-mas!

Jimmy's Fat?

Hi again,
This entry is almost a year in the making.
Last year, when we got home from our Christmas vacation, I put a note to blog about this subject now (actually I was supposed to on Monday but I got distracted.)  So here it is.

Last Christmas (don't worry, I won't launch into the Wham song,) we made the trek to Indiana and Michigan to visit various family members.  While visiting one home I hugged one person who, as they were hugging me said loud enough for all to here, "Oh, you've gained weight."  I pushed them away and said "Gee thanks for pointing it out."  They backpedaled and said "Oh, no, it looks good on you!"  I informed them that there was nothing they could say after that that would make me feel any better.  We made the best of the time together but I couldn't stop thinking about it and passed on the Christmas cookies.  Here's the thing:

Chances are that if people have gained weight since the last time you've seen them they are most likely aware!  Pointing it out will have nothing but negative results.  I'm a pretty quick thinker and there were a ton of things I wanted to say to hurt that persons feelings as they had mine.  But I chose not to participate in the pattern of negativity.
Christmas and other holidays seem to be a catalyst for drama.  Emotions run high.  I don't know maybe it's because prior to gathering we've run ourselves ragged to the point that the filter that is usually between our brain and our mouth gets switched off.  I encourage us all to remember those filters and engage them properly.  Perhaps we would be wise to error on the side of over filtering.
Picture it, Aunt Kathy brings her famous turkey dressing.  What she doesn't know is that it's famous for being as dry as the Sahara Desert.  When she says to you "Oh have some of my dressing, I know how much you love it!"  Instead of saying "Heck no, last time I ate that I almost choked!"  Why not say "Sure Aunt Kathy, It really brings out the flavor of this gravy."  And pour on enough gravy help you get it (and hopefully keep it) down.  You'll make her day!

Granted not everyone reads this blog, although they should, so there will most likely be folks who forget to tend to their filter.  I have learned that my responsibility is not to remind them to filter.  It is my job not to react but to always act in love.  Will it be difficult, probably.
But if things get uncomfortable, take a deep breath and remember that it's one day out of 365.

If that doesn't work, just remember, "Jimmy's gained weight!" That should at least bring a smile to your face.

Choose love!

Merry Christmas!

Identity

In 2003, at the age of twenty-eight, I went back to college.  While there preparing for ministry I had a crisis of identity.  

If I had grades that were any less than perfection I freaked out and I ran myself ragged trying to please everyone I knew.  

I eventually found myself taking advantage of the free counseling program offered by the school.  

The counselor asked me why I felt the need to get perfect grades.  She told me that, "Ten years from now do you really think anyone is going to ask what your GPA was?  She also asked my why I felt that I needed to do so many things for others. 

I thought long and hard on those questions, especially the second one.  Being a verbal processor I had long arguments with myself in her office.  

But after a long time and many tears, I came to a conclusion in the form of a question.  "If I don't do these things, what reason would anyone have for loving me or even wanting to be my friend?"  I mean seriously, I was 20 years older than the majority of the students and my prior college experience ended after a year with a .5 GPA.  

The counselor gave me an assignment.  "Go home and make 2 lists" she told me.  "On one write out how you see yourself.  And on the other, list how God sees you."

I don't remember everything that was on the lists, but I do remember that after reading them to the counselor she asked, "Now, which list is true."
Knowing that God is love and that He doesn't lie I had to answer that it was the "God list."  "So why not accept the way He sees you and live as such?"
I may be a bit slow on the uptake, but I'm not dumb.  I decided to give it a shot.
I stopped killing myself with stressing over being "good enough" so that people would love me.  This doesn't mean that I stopped doing things for others or working to get the best grades possible. 

I just had a different reason.  I began doing things as a response to God's love.  

I no longer put my identity in being a perfect student, my identity in God motivated me to work hard.
No longer was my identity in doing things to be worthy of love, my identity in God's love caused me to love and serve others as I was able.  

I learned that the old saying is true, "You can't truly love others until you learn to love yourself."  

For me, the first step in loving myself came from accepting God's perfect love.  

His love is there for you too.  All you need to do is receive it.

Then you too can find your identity in Him.
And you will begin to live the life for which you were created.  

I would love to hear from you and if you would like, I'd be honored to pray for you.  

God bless y'all,

Jimmy (Seriously!)