I am writing a new blog these days, and will continue to post some of the information here. The new blog is oilsforthejourney.blogspot.com
So….. I’ve discovered essential oils. That is to say, I’m discovering essential oils, and have decided to repurpose my blog to chart the process. So far, I have learned what I am coming to believe are the fundamentals of natural healing … a more holistic approach than the medical path I had been on for some time now.
I paused in my blogging journey some time ago. Years, in fact. I started during a season of life when I was bored mentally but physically feeling awful. There were days I couldn’t walk to the restroom without pausing from weakness and fatigue. I stopped cooking. I stopped cleaning. I stopped…. Well just about everything. My family reapportioned the chores around me. My husband, bless his soul, picked up many of the things I had always been able to do without thinking. (He told me later, he had resolved within himself my condition had scared him. He was preparing himself to live the rest of his years without me, just waiting for the last coffin nail to drop.)
I went to our family doctor. During this time, I went through two physicals. My numbers were fine… maybe borderline in a few areas, but I was healthy as a horse. I was taking supplements, pro-biotics, and a mitt-full of herbal capsules. The kids even laughed about Mom’s morning “gag and choke” routine when I “did the healthy.”
(I started to wonder if I was just lazy – or worse, crazy….. Was it all happening in my head?)
Moreover, I ate whole grains. I limited my intake of sugar. I had lost over 90 pounds three years prior, but had gained it all back. Along with the weight came an intense weakness and fatigue that just wouldn’t go away. No matter how much sleep I got.
(Was I depressed? Didn’t think so. Was I burned out? How was that possible? I was sleeping all the time!)
Sure, our oldest daughter had gone through cancer treatments a couple of years before. She was doing great, and had just been married. Our youngest was getting ready to go off to school. Our middle was living at home and doing very well at her job. Bill had just finished his doctorate. And I was finished with menopause.
(Could it all be hormonal? Who could tell? I researched and found really scary possibilities. If you are relating to this blog, please don’t do that to yourself.)
Then, after two Christmas seasons of not being physically able to do the decorating and baking I so loved to do; and not being strong enough to entertain guests in our home like we had always done – I became scared. But, by the end of the spring of 2010, I was just plain mad. I had prayed. I had asked for healing. I was doing all the “right things.” But I was gaining weight and feeling worse and worse.
What on earth was wrong with me?
Then came July 4th of that year. The day before, I decided I would refuse to spend yet another holiday on the couch. After all, there really is nothing on television…. Or any other screen for that matter, that is life altering, or heart fulfilling. And honestly, I was a little tired of reading – At that point, I would go to work, come home and sleep. But I was desperate for a change. I decided to “just put my mind to it.”
You know. You’ve probably done it too.
I asked the family if we could all go to a local amusement park on the afternoon of July 4, which in 2010 fell on a Sunday. We could ride roller coasters in the daylight and eat funnel cakes and hot dogs. After sunset, we could watch the multi-dollar fireworks display from inside the park this year.
Everyone agreed. We needed a family day; together; on an outing. We all missed them.
“Is Mom up to it?” our kids asked.
“It doesn’t matter,” I thought. But I said, “Absolutely! Let’s do this!”
Bill and I were excited. The girls were too. That day, our oldest daughter and her husband joined us, and we all made a day of it. Well, sort of. After two roller coasters, I was done. Discouraged, I sat on the benches for a time and watched everyone else ride ….. what a bummer!
“Maybe your blood sugar is too low,” someone suggested.
“Okay,” I thought. So, I bought a hot dog and some French fries. I remember thinking I wished they sold salads – but I kept dipping the fries in the ketchup anyway. (Did you know there is sugar in ketchup these days?)
I felt a little better. We rode another roller coaster. And I was physically exhausted once more.
(Now, just for reference, I had always been the first one to repeat the coasters – front row too – during the girls’ childhoods. The girls had always referred to their Mom as the “ride warrior.” But on that day, it was all I could do to stand in line! After that last ride, I had some water, and decided to rest until it was time for the fireworks. I told the family I where I would be when the show started.)
Close to sunset, Bill bought me one of my favorite treats: a funnel cake. We got one doused in cinnamon sugar, and it evaporated between the two of us in less than three minutes. A little later, we purchased another, and consumed it just as quickly.
I remember sleeping soundly that night, and late into the morning of the 5th. But then, all day on the 5th, I was unable to do anything! All of the exhaustion symptoms I had pushed to the side, willing myself to forge into a family day on the 4th, had returned with a vengeance.
The evening of the 5th, I felt like my heart was pounding in my head. Bill had recently been placed on blood pressure meds by our family doctor, and he expressed concern.
“Check your blood pressure, Babe,” he suggested.
Finding the cuff under the bathroom sink, I set it up according to the instructions. A few minutes later, I was also concerned. The screen read 188/101. I had no idea what those numbers meant, but I knew they were high. I practiced some breathing regulation exercises, and put an ice pack at the base of my neck. An hour later, it read 165/84, or something close to that. Assuming the numbers were coming down to normal range, I helped in the late-night routine household chores.
“I’ll have to ask the doctor about this,” I thought, shrugging it off. I headed up to bed with Bill.
Now, so we’re clear; I still had not really mentioned my frustration with my symptoms to my husband. Or even disclosed half of what I had been physically dealing with. I thought I was protecting him. And, for the same reasons, he had not ventured to bring up his fears of my death with me.
The morning of July 6th, 2010, I awoke around 4:00am with a start. My head was pounding like it was about to come off. I couldn’t seem to focus my left eye, nor did I have any feeling in my left cheek. My left arm and shoulder were numb. Come to think of it, so was my left leg and foot!
“I’m just lying in a funny position,” I reasoned, trying to shift. I mentally prepared myself for the pins and needles feeling that would certainly follow my movement.
As my brain worked to communicate with my body, I became terrified. Nothing responded.
I couldn’t move my left side!! Over and over again I tried, and couldn’t move even one muscle! With my right arm, I reached over my body, and tapped my sleeping hubby’s shoulder.
“Honey?” I called. I waited a minute. “Babe?” I tapped him again.
He turned over, and faced me, his eyes still closed. “Mm? What?”
“Honey, can you help me?” I said. “I can’t move.”
Bill was instantly awake, and alert. “What?” he repeated.
“I can’t move. I’ve been lying here for about 30 minutes. Can you help me?”
“Sure,” he answered. He helped me roll over to my back, and then just held me for the next two hours. We prayed together for healing, for wisdom, for a miracle. Slowly feeling began to return, and the headache began to subside.
Had it been a stroke? A heart attack? What was going on in my body?
At 6:30am, we called the emergency number for our doctor’s office. I had gone through a physical just a month before. For that reason, I didn’t want to go to the local emergency room. Instead, I opted to wait for our doctor’s office to open. (Besides, who wanted EMT personnel in our messy bedroom that night?)
The triage nurse asked for my symptoms. As I shared them with Bill, his eyes grew wide. The nurse also expressed concern, and said we should come in when the office opened at 8:00am.
Needless to say, my entire life changed that day. My non-fasting glucose (A1C) was out of control at 13.9 — (14 is coma range). My blood pressure was high also 167/90 or something ridiculous like that…. The EKG was normal, as were many other tests. Our doctor gave me the name of cardiologist I “really needed to see to be sure,” and then sat us both down for the bad news.
It was full blown diabetes, and a few other things. (I have since learned the name for the condition is Metabolic Syndrome, or Syndrome X).
“What could I have done differently?” I asked, sure he would say ‘diet and exercise.’
“You could have chosen your parents,” he answered. “It’s genetic.”
He sent me home with insulin. And needles. And prescriptions. Lots and lots of them. (More than 5 that day….. 9 more later). Strange. Hadn’t I been taking my vitamins, and limiting my sugar, and doing teas and herbs? What was wrong with this picture?
Great. Just great. (I just want to add at this point that a period of emotional struggle began for me at this point, along with a sense of futility!)
So……. Let’s fast forward to today, early summer of 2016.
It’s been a full six years since my diagnosis. I still am giving myself two injections each day, and faithfully taking the prescribed drugs for diabetes, along with several other things; fourteen medications all told. For the first year or so, I took the classes, and tried to follow the advice given by professionals. After three years, I was able to bring my A1C down to a healthy 6.1, and have remained there to the present time. There was a season when I tried to go to the gym, but would come home and collapse, once again unable to do anything productive.
I have discovered low carb protein, thanks to the Unjury company. (Check it out at Unjury.com). Unjury is a medically developed protein for patients who have undergone gastric surgery. I mix it up each morning with fruit, powdered vitamins and greens. (I plan to post recipes here in the future). This concept provided me with an incremental improvement in my energy levels. The protein also helped me to experience better sleep.
I have also discovered the value of drinking greens – not that I thought it would be a great idea when I started. I was raised as a missionary child, and was taught it was polite to try a bite of everything. Still, the idea of drinking something green was a concept I had to come to slowly. (Those recipes are also coming). This addition/change provided an additional incremental improvement to my health levels.
Exercise has also been helpful – mostly walking, and light cardio.
So then, in consideration of all I have said to this point, I now come full circle to my opening sentence: I have discovered essential oils. Since beginning to use them – diffusing, applying, and drinking a drop or two here and there – I am actually experiencing marked and positive change in my health levels.
Oils have definitely brought positive change into my life. For example, a month ago, I travelled to Mexico on a short term mission trip. That was a miracle for me! Eight years ago, I never expected to ever go out of the country again, much less on a missions trip! And I didn’t collapse! It was amazing. And the best part? I can’t wait to go back to that beautiful country in the fall of this year!
Father God has provided tools for healing in His creation. As I continue to blog here, it is my hope to be able to encourage many, help some, and provide hope for those who find themselves stuck in a place of “un-health” and “dis-ease,” as I was. I can feel my body becoming stronger every day. I can sense my immunities being rebuilt, as I follow this fresh and natural path. It is my hope to one day soon, find myself without a need for my medications; healthy and whole.
Next up: What are essential oils, and why are they important?
©2016 Debbye Graafsma/Awakened to grow. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Did you know? Valentine’s Day began as a memorial; held for a man in the early church ages known as Valentinus. In his book, “Foxe’s book of Martyrs,” John Foxe records the story of this amazing man. Apparently, during the second century, Valentinus was imprisoned by the Romans for performing marriage ceremonies for soldiers forbidden to marry. He also gave food, shelter and comfort to early Christians, which was also a crime.
While he was in prison, his jailor, Asterius, communicated with Valentinus that his daughter was ill and about to die. In desperation, the jailor asked Valentinus to pray to his God for a miracle. Within days, the woman was healed and had returned to her healthy self. She began to visit him in prison, and the two became very close friends.
On the day Valentinus was to be executed, Foxe records he sent a letter to her, as she had become the closest person to him. In the letter, he declared his love to her, and wished her well; signing the letter with “from your Valentine” as his farewell. According to tradition, his execution day was February 14.
As word spread of Valentinus’ experience, the practice was repeated by early Christians who were about to die. The term “Valentine” eventually became associated with the concept of expressing undying love in the face of difficulties.
Several hundred years later, during the Middle Ages, knights were assigned to care and protect for the female members of royal families. Because of time spent together, and inevitable conversation, the term “courtly love” became accepted. This term became a description of the unspoken love and attraction between a maiden and her protector. In that age, a knight would be executed if he expressed love for his charge as his objectivity in the situation was considered a major asset in serving as her protector. In his writings, Geoffrey Chaucer used the term “Valentine” to explain this frustrating circumstance, and as a result, the practice of sending notes from a secret admirer became a practice in England.
In our day, Valentine’s Day still has the same symbolism, but without its history, we can forget the depth of its meaning. But no matter the depth of meaning, the words “Happy Valentine’s Day” communicate affection and the desire for closer relationship.
Blessings! Enjoy your day!
©2013 dcg/atg
Posted in valentines day | Tagged friendship, love, relationships, valentines day | Leave a Comment »
Every time I see a picture of a dragon, I wonder whether they really existed. They are a fascinating subject, and so it seemed natural that when I began a series of allegorical/fantasy based novels, I would start with the subject of dragons. I mean, why don’t we ever see a baby dragon? Where do they come from?
The Trouble with Dragons is my second attempt at fiction; this time in paranormal subject and allegory. The story is set in the Kingdom of Hausse, which is ruled by an evil queen, Souhaites. She outwardly shows allegiance to the king, whose name is Suzerain. That word was new to me when I began writing — it is a description of a chief ruler, or emperor, who, although they are in complete control of an empire, allow their sub-states and subjects the luxury of ruling their own inner realm.
The story is filled with Light-Bearers, and fallen Light-Bearers, known as Pythons, Shades, Weavers and Muddlers (depending on their strength). In Hausse, the invisible is visible, and interaction takes place between mortals and those entities. The Dark Prince, Sausmas, who used to be a Light-Bearer, has dominion over the BorderLands and the DarkLands.
In the story, it is the mission of a gypsy family (who are actually the king’s agents in disguise), to rescue a princess. The agents range in age from five to beyond ancient, with introduction of allegory and symbolism to help the reader understand the reality of the spiritual realm. What began as a short story has now become a series. I am now working on book two, “The Trouble with Tyrants.”
Particularly satisfying in regard to this particular book, is that I have had readers in my “test market” tell me they “couldn’t put it down.” One was 18 years old, and one was over 65!! I would love to getyouropinion!
Writing this stuff is just too much fun….. Please order it and read it, and then give me your feedback! Here is the link:
And Here is a preview of the first section of the first chapter:
Chapter One
“Five Years before It All Began”
“There’s the signal!”
Startled by the hand shaking his arm, as well as by his friend’s loud whisper, Peyton looked up quickly.
“Are you sure it wasn’t more lightning?” he asked.
“No, look!” Jaret pointed towards the castle window. “The lantern went back and forth three times. You’d better get a move on.”
Jaret let out a low whistle. In response, a horse’s snort was heard from further in, behind the trees.
Stepping out from under the cover of branches, Peyton grimly assessed the rain which continued to fall. “Hope I can get there through the mud,” he muttered.
“You cannot fail,” Jaret spoke with determination, handing his partner a bow and quiver of arrows. “Here; just in case.”
Peyton stroked his horse before he took the reins, swinging up into the mount. After checking to be sure his rapier was still in its sheath at his belt, he took the additional weapons. “Thank you,” he said. “Now, remember, if I’m not back before daybreak….”
“I know what to do. Don’t worry.” Jaret gave the hind quarters of his friend’s horse an encouraging whack. “Good speed. Be careful.”
Lurching just a little in the saddle as he began to move forward, Peyton looked back over his shoulder. “You as well,” he replied.
Watching his friend ride away, Jaret spoke quietly, more to himself than to anyone. “Without help, we will all be dead by morning.”
Slipping quiver and bow over his shoulder, Peyton put his attention forward. He pulled the thick black hood of his cloak over his head, to further hide himself in the darkness. Perhaps the rain was a good thing, he considered. No one would be walking the castle walls tonight. More likely, they would be inside warming by a fire.
Nearing the castle, he noticed the drawbridge had not yet been drawn up for the evening, and the gate was still open. He breathed a sigh of relief. The informer had been genuine after all; they had kept their side of the bargain.
Just before reaching the drawbridge, Peyton dismounted and tied his horse loosely to a nearby tree. He took off his cloak. As he wrapped up his sword and quiver in the cloak, he spoke gently into his horse’s ear.
“Stay here, Goliath. Wait. I’ll be back, and I’ll need you.”
He then made his way into the cold water of the moat, holding his cloak and weapons over his head, to keep them from soaking. Arriving at the gate, he silently slipped through, staying against the walls and in the shadows.
Once through the gate, he looked for the…. What had the informant said? Oh yes, the second door to the left. Look for the burning torch mounted on the wall. He was to go through that door, and wait in the darkness for his contact to come. Strange, he reasoned. He still had no idea what the purpose of his mission was. It was better that way, he decided. If he was caught, there would be nothing to deny. He could not endanger the rest of the Protectorate – or, as the Queen referred to them, “The Rebels.”
Shutting the door of the little room, Peyton took a quick breath, double-checking his movements. Was this mission going too easily? Could a trap be waiting for him? Well, it was too late to worry about it now. Hurriedly, he stepped away from the grate-covered window opening in the door, and leaned against the cold stone of the castle wall. Just as he did so, two of the Queen’s Guard walked by on patrol.
Had they seen him? No, apparently not. He was safe for now.
After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, Peyton slid down against the wall, into a sitting position. After a few moments more, he caught himself nodding off into sleep. He shook himself awake. No, this would not be the time or place to take a nap, he thought.
Suddenly, there was a noise at the door. Peyton reached for his rapier, and slid up the wall to stand on his feet once more. As the door opened, he readied himself to run the intruder through.
A girl’s voice spoke softly and carefully. “Is anyone in here?”
Startled, Peyton remained silent, not sure whether this was his contact.
The girl spoke again into the inky darkness. “If you are here, the Prince will come.”
Relieved to hear the code words he had been waiting for, Peyton replied. “And the King will rule forever.”
“Oh good,” the girl replied. “This is my second time to come since the signal was sent, and I wasn’t sure how I would explain another absence to my mistress.”
“What is my mission?” Peyton asked her.
“Here,” she whispered in reply, lifting the rather large bundle she had been holding close to her chest. “You must take special care of this package. Don’t let anything happen to it. Strap it to yourself if you must. But hold it lightly. It can be easily broken. Don’t undo the wrappings until you are sure you are back in a place of safety.”
“What is the package?” Peyton’s curiosity posed the inquiry before he realized his question placed both the girl and himself in grave danger.
“I cannot tell you,” she replied. “But you will find out soon enough. Seeing that you were the one trusted for this task, you must know that to succeed you will have to move with great speed and speak to no one. The Sausmas has his spies everywhere. The entire future of the Protectorate Cause might rest on what you do tonight.”
Peyton stuttered. “I –I wasn’t told. I’m sorry.”
The girl lowered the shawl she had pulled up over her head, smiling. “Don’t worry. I am sure there are Light-Bearers all around us. Do you know the way out?”
“I came by way of the moat and inner gate.”
“Oh, no,” she whispered. “You cannot go out that way. We met in this room, because there is a tunnel entrance which begins here and lets you out in the trees. There is a small cottage there, where you will find provisions to accompany your package. Here; let me get a little light to show you. Hide behind the door. Crouch under the window.”
From her cloak, the girl drew a candle. Opening the door, she looked carefully to and fro to be sure she wasn’t observed. Then, she reached up to the burning torch and lit her candle. Cupping her hand around the flame, she pulled carefully back into the dark room. From there, she moved to the corner of the room and lifted an escape hatch hinged in the floor boards.
“Come!” she urged. “Quickly!”
Peyton clutched the package tightly, and prepared to go down the short stairs into the tunnel.
“Here,” the girl said, “take the candle. You will need it down there.”
As the candle passed between them, Peyton caught a glimpse of the girl’s face. She couldn’t be much older than I am, he thought. “What is your name?” he asked as he took the candle from her.
“Elda,” she replied. “Yours?”
“Peyton.” He paused. “How old are you?”
“I am the Queen’s third handmaid. I am nine years,” she whispered, motioning for him to hurry.
“I’m ten years a week last,” he whispered back.
“Good to meet you,” she said. “Now get out of here before you get us all killed. Remember the instructions I gave you about the package. Don’t open it until you are sure you are in a place of safety.”
Waiting until she saw the candle’s glimmer fade into the tunnel, Elda lowered the escape hatch door once again, and stepped back into the center of the room. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath.
“Please, please surround him with safety,” she whispered.
Then, pulling her shawl back over her head, she stepped out of the room into the castle courtyard, and pulled the door shut behind her. Hastily, she made her way back to the Queen’s bedchambers, hoping her absence had not been noticed. Even one hint of a doubt, or shadow of a question would endanger the plan they had all worked towards for months now.
Exiting the tunnel in the woods, Peyton was thankful for the candle Elda had given him. He blew it out and decided it would be wiser to place it in his pocket and take it with him, than it would be to leave a trace of his presence behind. Taking in his surroundings, he discovered Goliath no more than ten feet away.
Now, where was the cottage she had mentioned? Looking around, he saw an abandoned guard house. It probably hadn’t been used since the drawbridge was built, he supposed. No need for a guard or a guard house when one added a moat to a castle.
Stepping into the guard house, Peyton saw a rather large basket on a table. Next to the basket was a wooden crate, filled with various containers and scrolls.
How would he get all of this onto the back of his horse, he wondered? After some consideration, the boy decided to place the package inside the basket and then surround and cover the package with as much as would fit from what was in the crate. Then, he realized, it would be easy to travel, with the basket held in front of him as he rode Goliath back to the Protectorate Encampment.
As he completed the task at hand, Peyton’s thoughts turned philosophical. Funny how even what they called themselves came down to the side someone was on. The King, Suzerain, (Soo- zee- rayn) had decreed that those who stood against the Queen and Sausmas (Sawz-mahs) were to be given honor and respect. He had even issued orders to his Light-Bearers and all those in His Realm were to offer assistance to the Cause in any method necessary. In fact, the title “Protectorate” had been his creation. But to Queen Souhaites (Soo-hay-teez), and to everyone else under Sausmas’ controlling influence, they were considered Rebels.
Preparing to mount his horse again, Peyton remembered Elda’s words. “Hold the package lightly. It can be easily broken.” Sighing, he readjusted the items in the basket, placing the package on top.
Riding stealthfully back to meet Jaret and the others, and then to the Encampment, Peyton once more found himself thankful for the rain. He wondered just why the mission had gone so easily. Upon his arrival, the sentries wasted no time ushering him to Commander Carel’s Pavilion.
The Commander was pacing back and forth, anxious for news of Peyton’s mission. “How did it go, boy? Were you discovered?”
Here is the link to lulu.com for purchase. The book is also availabe in epub format.
Blessings,
Debbye
(c) ATG 2012 Duplication without permission prohibited. All rights reserved.
Posted in the trouble with dragons | Tagged allegory, fantasy, spiritual realm, teen fiction, the trouble with dragons, trouble with dragons | Leave a Comment »
Did you know that the original Christmas gifts when given were placed in a treasure box, or inside a vessel? Paper was invented in China in 105AD, and since that day, gifts were wrapped. The method and procedure for making paper was kept secret by the Chinese for several centuries. However, by 800AD, the process was known in Egypt. Then, knowledge of the process spread to Europe, where the first paper mill began production in 1085.
In 1509, during the reign of Henry VIII in England, wallpaper was invented. For a short time, gifts were wrapped in wallpaper, but it cracked or tore when folded. By the early 1900’s, gifts were wrapped in plain brown paper, or tissue, and tied with cord or string. A reference to this practice is found in Richard Rodgers song lyrics for “My Favorite Things:” “brown paper packages tied up with string; these are a few of my favorite things.” Printed tissue paper in varied designs was also used.
In Kansas City, MO, a man named Joyce C. Hall owned a stationery store, selling his own card designs. Hall is known for being the founder of the greeting card industry, but is also credited with the “invention” of present-day gift wrap. Hallmark’s launch of printed gift wrap actually happened by accident. Just before Christmas in 1917, the Hal Brothers’ store had sold out of the white, red and green tissue and one holly pattern for customers to use to wrap holiday packages. So, in an effort to help customers, Rollie Hall, Joyce’s brother, had an idea. Why not bring some of the envelope lining papers from France, and sell them for 10 cents a sheet? That year, they sold out quickly. The next year, the sheets were offered 3 for 25 cents. Again they sold out. Soon, Hallmark began manufacturing their own wrapping paper; the first product they made as a departure from greeting cards.
In the 1930s, the brothers introduced Hall Sheen ribbon, which sticks to itself when licked like a stamp. It is still the company’s most popular ribbon, even now. In 1970, they introduced jumbo plastic gift bags, and paper gift bags with hands in 1987. Curling cascade ribbon was invented in 1994. Today Hallmark is the leader of the giftwrap industry, in addition to greeting cards, and unique gift items.
“I never saw anything accepted so quickly,” J.C. Hall said in his autobiography, When You Care Enough. “We didn’t realize it then, but for all practical purposes, an entire new industry had been born. In fact, the decorative gift-wrapping business was born the day Rollie placed the French envelope linings on top of our showcase. Soon gift-wrapping paper became the first product we made that was a departure from greeting cards.”
When I wrap gifts, I am reminded of the Charles Wesley’s words in “Hark the Herald Angels Sing:” veiled in the flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate Deity.” When someone receives a gift, they might remember temporarily how it was wrapped, but they will remember forever the gift inside. It is the gift that remains. When we receive the gift of Life in Jesus, the outer trappings of image and status fall away, and His Life begins a transformation process with us. The Holy Spirit changes our values, and our methods of relating to others. He calls us to growth. He calls us to discipleship. It is His Life that remains – for eternity. And, in the process, we experience the Kingdom of God – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Long-Suffering and Self Control.
In essence, the Incarnation happens all over again. Jesus comes to live His life in us — We become the Manger.
People may forget us, but they will remember forever what God does through our lives. Blessings!
Posted in Christmas | Tagged christmas gifts, hallmark, history of wrapping gifts, Incarnation, wrapping gifts | Leave a Comment »
Did you ever hear the story about the new bride who went to cook a potroast? As she placed the meat into the roasting pan, she cut the end off of one side. “Why do I do that?” she wondered. “I don’t understand.” So she called her mother. “Mom, why do we cut the end off the potroast?”
Her mother thought for a moment. “I don’t know,” she replied. “I have just always done it that way. My mom did it too. Call grandma and ask her.”
So the new bride called her grandmother. “Grandma, why do we cut the end off the potroast?” The answer was a moment of silence, broken by a small giggle. “You’re still doing that?” the grandmother asked.
“Yes, I was making a potroast, and I wondered why we cut the end off of it. Mom did it, and that’s how she taught me to do it. Do you know why?”
The grandmother’s giggle had become a chuckle. “My pan was too small, and we couldn’t afford a larger one. So, I cut the end off the roast to make it fit.”
Sometimes in the midst of years of liturgy, the original intent behind certain traditional practices can be lost. When that happens, all that remains is an empty practice. When this happens, valuable history and lessons learned can be lost forever. By the same token, when we do something without realizing why — our actions have no meaning except to just repetitively copy what has “always been done,” without enjoyment or meaning. In fact, we can attach wrong meanings and symbolisms to events just because we are wrongly taught.
Over the next few days, I want to try to post the results of some of my research of the history of the Christmas Season…. I have already posted some of these on my facebook site, but will try to enlarge them in this space, as time allows.
Many times, in the midst of the stresses of the Holiday (or holy day) Season, we can allow ourselves to become “squeezed.” In so doing, we forget to teach our children the why’s of what we do — passing the baton of honoring the past; lessons learned; joys rekindled — After all, the purpose of celebrating; any celebrating; is to call to mind something we are giving thanks for. For instance, when God instructed His people to remember Feast Days, it was for the purpose of teaching the present generation the lessonslearned by their elders. In saying this, let me include here that our celebrations of Advent, and Christmas, and any holiday, are to provide a learning environment for the next generation….. We hear it all the time, “Christmas is about the kids.” Even in our remembrances of those who have less than we do this Season, we consider the children of families, and what they need or want this time of year…. Without those shiny eyes of wonder, many of us just stop celebrating — “It’s too much work,” we say.
Advent, which means “Waiting,” was originally designed by church leaders to help followers of Jesus Christ prepare their hearts for the coming of a New Beginning (otherwise known as the New Year). In the earliest days, it was a time of prayer and fasting, which began on November 11th, on the Feast of St. Andrew. Advent is traditionally the season when the church begins celebrating the manifestation of the Only Living God come to earth in human form. Even today, in the most Orthodox of churches, the follower of Christ is asked to assess the state of their living practices and their heart in light of the Return of Christ. As a New Year approached, believers asked themselves: What healing and cleansing was needed to enable a more intimate spiritual experience with Christ as they moved into the New Year? In the Middle Ages, families would enact a play depicting the choice of Adam and Eve in Eden to sin; which ended with the prophecy of a coming Savior who would rescue the world form the inevitable death their choice had ushered into the planet.
Many statements have been made about whether December is the actual month when Jesus was born. Some historians believe Jesus was born in the spring in Israel — However, the temple flocks were moved to Bethlehem in the fall of the year, and these were the sheep tended by shepherds at night; lambs being raised for sacrifice. Records indicate that Caesar Augustus mandated the census to be taken in late October.. so those who oppose the holiday are correct…. The problem however, is that many who hold this opinion have ceased to celebrate the coming of Christ at all. Christmas is about the Incarnation – it doesn’t realy matter WHEN we celebrate.. the point of what we pass on to the next generation is THAT the Incarnation is WORTH CELEBRATING!
For example, this is the only time of the year when I can walk into a grocery store and hear the name of Jesus sung over the airwaves. Even in environments who are “politically correct” the rest of the year, we hear lyrics from traditional carols — “Glory to the newborn King,” “Christ the everlasting Lord,” “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,” just to name a few lines we all know and recognize.
As we approach the actual Christmas Day, let me challenge you to consider what your children are learning about Jesus this time of year — everywhere we look, there are opportunities to share the gospel…. How will you be “Jesus with skin on” to those around you during these weeks and days?
More to come. Blessings!
(c)2011 dcg/atg. Duplication without permission prohibited. Thank you for your integrity.
Posted in Christmas | Tagged advent, holidays, lessons of christmas, teaching children christmas, traditions of christmas, why we celebrate | 2 Comments »
Today’s post is a second excerpt from my historical account of the life of Mary Magdalene, entitled “Journey: a novel”. The book recounts the lives of Mary Magdalene, Simon the Pharisee and many of Jesus’ disciples, and has received some exciting reviews ….. It is the result of over 8 years of research and a trip to Israel. If you would like to read it, it is available on Amazon.com.
This morning’s post is my feeble attempt to begin to explain what the power of the resurrection of Jesus means in my own life. ….
Three days later, just before sunrise, Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus, made their way to Joseph’s garden tomb. “Surely they will let us anoint his body,” they told each other. “What should we do if no one is there? Who will break the seal and move the stone?”
As they neared the path leading to Joseph’s garden, both women were unexpectedly knocked to their feet. The ground was shaking again, this time with more force and power than either of them had ever seen. Below them, the earth roared, thundering.
Was the world coming to an end?
Just beyond where they were on the path, a flash of lightning lit up the sky.
“Did you see that?” Mary asked Magdalene.
“Yes.” She answered. “Where did it come from?”
“I wondered that too. It didn’t come from the sky.”
Both women broke into a run. As they entered the clearing in front of Joseph’s tomb, they stopped in astonishment.
The great flat stone, some six feet in diameter, had been rolled away from the door. Who had broken the mortar seal?
Around them, on the ground, looking as though they were dead, were five Roman soldiers.
However unusual, these were not the things that drew their attention.
Sitting on top of the stone, to the right of the open doorway, was a young man. He was clothed in a blazing, white garment. He shone with a piercingly bright light. It emanated from him and enveloped him. It moved as he moved.
And yet, they observed, he was real.
The young man looked at them, as though they had been expected. He smiled. “He is not here,” he announced. “He is risen — just like he said.”
“What did you say?” the older Mary asked him.
“Come and see.” The young man indicated the open doorway to the tomb. “Go in, and see the place where he was laid.”
Not exactly sure what they should do next, the two women looked at each other. They would have to pass this glowing figure in order to go through the door.
The older Mary took the lead. Taking Magdalene’s hand she led them through the doorway. Was it authentic? Magdalene watched the young man, to see what he would do.
He seemed to be enjoying himself.
He watched them as they passed. He smiled at them.
Entering the grave, the two women were greeted by two more young men in glowing white garments. Both were sitting on the bench where Jesus’ body had been placed the day after the feast.
Was it brighter in here, the older Mary wondered? Where was the Light coming from?
Who were these men, Magdalene questioned? They carried the same Light and Substance with them she had encountered the night of her deliverance.
Were these angels, then?
She couldn’t stand up in this atmosphere, she realized. She fell to her knees. So did the other Mary.
The angel sitting on the head-plate spoke, looking directly at Magdalene. “He is not here,” he said clearly. “He has risen. Look here. This is the place where he was.”
The second angel, sitting at the foot-plate, looked at the older Mary and smiled. “Go and tell the learners — and Peter — He is going before you to Galilee,” he said.
What? The women looked at each other, and walked out of the tomb. Upon their exit, they were greeted by Salome, Elsbeth, Joanna, Abigail and Hadassah. Each woman was carrying a bag of myrrh and spices.
“Good morning!” Hadassah said.
“What are you doing here?” Magdalene asked.
“We came to anoint the body. We’ve decided we will unwrap him if we have to,” Salome spoke.
“It’s not here.” The older Mary spoke with a new conviction.
“What’s not here?” Salome asked.
“The body; it’s not here.” Mary looked at them as she repeated her words.
“Did you see the angel?” Magdalene asked. “He was sitting right here.”
“No, we didn’t see an angel.” Joanna looked at her strangely. “But we did see the soldiers running down the road as we were coming. One of them said something about going to make a report.”
“To Pilate?”
“I don’t think so. They said something about giving account to Caiaphas.” Abigail answered.
“I think one of them was in Commander Flavius’ regiment,” Elsbeth offered. “I remembered seeing him before.”
The older Mary looked at Salome. “The angel said we should tell the disciples the Master is alive, and will be waiting for us in Galilee.”
Salome’s face broke into a smile. “Are you sure?” she asked.
Mary glanced back toward the open door. “Pretty sure!” she answered.
The group of women left together, talking and sharing. It would be wonderful to share the news with John, and James, and Andrew…. They couldn’t wait to see their faces.
But Mary Magdalene couldn’t find the strength to leave the garden area. Old emotions began to surface.
If he wasn’t here, where was he?
She looked back through the tomb door.
Yes, the two angels were still sitting there. She just wanted to be sure.
Her thoughts began to race. Her eyes filled with tears. The pent up fears of the past few days began to rise in a torrent of emotion.
She began to weep; the sense of abandonment overwhelming her once again. What would she do – without Him?
“Why are you weeping?” The angel at the head plate asked, his voice coming through the open doorway.
“Because they have taken my Master away; I don’t know where he is,” she answered. How would she learn to live her life, she wondered? Who would teach her the things she was still missing? Who could she ask?
Would anyone else understand her heart?
Perhaps she just needed to find a place to have a good cry, she thought. Looking down, she turned, and almost ran into someone.
Oh, she thought. The gardeners are here to tend the grounds. I will have to go somewhere else to be alone.
“Why are you weeping?” the gardener asked.
There it was; the same question. Magdalene decided to get some answers. There had to be an answer. She would find strength somewhere inside herself to handle this. She took a deep breath
“Sir,” she said. “You are the gardener. If you have taken his body somewhere, please tell me where it is….” Her voice broke, and she began to weep harder. Sobs were beginning now. She had to get the words out. “I …. will…come and take… his… body… away.”
There was a short stretch of silence. She didn’t know what else to say.
Where could they have laid the body?
The Gardener spoke, gently; kindly, quietly.
“Mary!”
From the deep caverns of her soul, her being resonated with response. This was the Voice that shattered her chains in the storeroom. This was the Voice that called her brother back from beyond the grave. This was the Voice that had shaped her identity since the night of her deliverance.
This was the Voice of her God.
She fell to her knees, and took hold of his feet in worship, weeping. “Oh, Master!” she cried with relief. “Jesus!”
He knelt down and lifted her to her feet. “I haven’t ascended to the Mercy Seat, Mary. Don’t cling to me yet.” He paused. “Go and tell my friends that I am ascending — to my Father; and your Father — to my God; and your God.”
She stood up. Looking at him she realized he was shining. It was the same light she had seen surrounding the angels; but it was brighter, stronger, somehow. She took a deep breath, and smiled at him.
“I will, Master,” she replied, her heart suddenly light. She turned to go, and then excitedly took a step to return to him. Thinking better of it, she turned again to go the other direction, returning to her task, remembering his words. For a moment, she looked back at him. He was watching her and chuckling. Yes, it was Jesus.
She ran from the tomb. Was this a song she was humming? She didn’t know. She had never been so full of joy. He had kept his promise.
I will not leave you alone. I will come to you.
Perhaps she could still catch up with the others.
A few moments passed.
The older Mary, Salome, and the others, were still moving towards the city. In actuality, they were not too far ahead of her. Coming off the pathway which led to Joseph’s family home, the group turned onto the main road. Suddenly, a man stood six feet in front of them.
“Good morning, friends!” he called in greeting.
Stunned, the women looked up. No one had seen him walking down the road…. Where had he come from?
“It – it’s Jesus!”
The older Mary stood in shock for a moment. Then, all at once, she ran to him, and dropped to her knees, grasping his feet. Was he real? Was it really true?
The other women gathered around him as well; Salome and Joanna, Hadassah and Abigail. Elsbeth just stood weeping. Each one found themselves wanting to confirm what their eyes told them. They too, touched him, hugged him.
As the discovery of reality became clear, a sense of fear emerged. The desire to be separated from such power; somehow given a “safe distance,” whispered to them.
“Don’t be afraid!” Jesus looked clearly at Salome and those standing back, beginning to just observe.
“It’s all right! Come closer!” he said. “Go and tell my friends I will meet them in Galilee.”
The women had run elatedly to deliver the message.
At first, it had not been well received.
At first, the men had not believed them. “Silly women!” a few said. “Magdalene has always been too emotional!”
But then, Simon Peter and John decided to confirm the story. John had gone into the tomb first. He was convinced, and had told them all so.
Poor Simon, Mary considered. He had been sure it couldn’t be true: even when his wife told him her experience!
Then, he had looked into the tomb’s doorway and seen the wrappings neatly folded. The handkerchief Nicodemus had placed over Jesus’ face that night was over to the side, as though he had wiped his face before getting up. In disbelief, Simon Peter had gathered the linen wrappings to his chest.
He had wept, full of remorse, for hours.
He still wept easily, and often.
No one knew when, or where, but the Master found Simon Peter at some point during that first day. She could only envision the conversation which had taken place between them.
Peter didn’t talk much about what Jesus had said to him, but just the mention of it in conversation always brought him to tears.
The fisherman had been different since then too, she considered.
He was gentler, less impulsive; certainly less forceful in his opinions.
Elsbeth had confided that changes had taken place at home as well……
…. To read the rest of the story, look for “Journey” to be available later this spring, released through Advantage Books.
(c)2010 DG — Awakened to Grow — Duplication without permission prohibited.
After that, Jesus had appeared to so many.
Posted in Book excerpts | Tagged journey excerpt 2, love of God, mary magdalene, relationships, resurrection | 1 Comment »
Good morning all — since today is Easter Sunday, I wanted tore- post an excerpt from ny book, “Journey: a Novel,”now available on Amazon.com. The book is an account of the life of Mary Magdalene. It is the result of 8 years of research and a trip to Israel. This excerpt is from Chapter sixteen, entitled, “New Wine.” It is a peek into what the day of the Crucifixion might have been like for people who were there to experience it. —
It was sunset before Antonio Longinus returned to his quarters in the Fortress. Justus Flavius had been off-duty for several hours.
Taking off his sword, and his shoes, Antonius sat down across from him. “It was quite a day today,” he said.
Justus did not look up. “Yes, quite a day,” he answered quietly.
“Your man Atticus was a real help today, Flavius. I appreciated him getting that foreigner to carry the Galilean’s cross. Your men did well. I am going to include a commendation in my report to Rome.”
“Thank you,” Justus answered, still quiet.
Longinus sat down by him. “What’s wrong, man? Have you not eaten? Did you get bad news?”
Justus lifted his head. “One of my best friends died today,” he said.
Longinus nodded. “I understand. I’m sorry. Did he die here in Jerusalem or back home?”
“Here,” Justus answered, looking down again at the floor.
“Oh,” Longinus walked across the room and took two wooden goblets. He filled them with wine. Looking through the provisions on his table, he pulled out loaf of bread. He tore the loaf in two, and began preparing two plates of food. “Come and sit with me, at least. You’ll feel better if you eat something.”
Unfeeling, Justus rose and came to the table. He sat down across from Longinus, who began to speak.
“In all my years, I’ve never seen an execution quite like the one we saw today. I’ve never seen that many people, or that much blood. And, until today, I thought it was against the law to scourge and crucify a man. I thought the rulers were supposed to choose.”
Justus looked at him. “It still is against the law.”
Longinus took a drink of his wine. “You know, that one man; the one in the middle; what was his name?
“Jesus.” As Justus spoke, his voice broke.
“Oh,” said Longinus, tearing a piece of bread. “Was he your friend?”
The Capernaum commander nodded. “He was a Healer. He healed my servant. He raised my friend’s daughter from the dead. He healed several lepers that I know. He….”
Longinus interrupted him. “He raised someone from the dead?”
Justus nodded.
“I knew there was something about him. You should have heard the things he said from the cross. He gave out forgiveness. He asked a man to take care of his mother. It was like he was looking out for people.” He paused. There was one thing he said I didn’t understand; garbled, you know….Then he said, ‘it is finished,’ like he had completed some sort of job or something.” The centurion paused to take bite of his food.
“Anyway, usually I have to break a man’s legs so the lungs collapse. That way they die before sunset, and the birds don’t get to them. Some of the men don’t do it that way, but I hate going back the next day and seeing places where the vultures have had their fill.”
Justus shuddered. Longinus continued, his mouth full of food. “This man was already dead when I went to check him. Just before, he had said, “I’m giving my spirit into your hands.” I thought he was talking to one of his group that stood there all day. But just after he said it, he let out a long yell.”
“I wanted to be certain he was dead, so I took my spear, and opened up his side. It’s important to be sure the lungs have really stopped working, you know. It’s more merciful, really. I wouldn’t want to be buried alive, would you?”
He swallowed his mouthful.
“Anyway, I told my captain ‘this man must be the son of God!’ When the spear hit the lungs, a fountain of blood and water came rushing out of him. It went everywhere.”
“Is that unusual?” Justus asked
“It’s never happened before; at least not to me.” He paused. “I left my men there to finish the burial detail.”
A knock sounded on the door. Justus rose to answer it. “Go ahead and eat, Antonio,” he said. “I’ll get it.”
When he opened the door, Justus was greeted by young messenger, dressed in the regalia of Pilate’s court. “Commander?” the messenger said.
“Yes,” Justus answered, not remembering the message would be for Longinus. He took out his hand and took the sealed scroll.
The young man put his fist to his chest and saluted, then walked away. Closing the door, Justus looked at Antonio. “It’s a message from Pilate, I think,” he said.
“Go ahead and read it,” came the reply. “Are you going to eat your meat?”
“No, I’m not really hungry.”
Longinus moved Justus’ plate in front of himself, and continued eating. Justus opened the message and read.
“We have both been summoned to come to Pilate’s palace.”
“Why?”
“It doesn’t say.”
“Let’s go then. Let me just clean up a little.”
When they arrived in Pilate’s court, the two officers were ushered immediately to the throne room. Pilate looked up from the scroll he was reading. He rolled it up and gave it to the scribe who stood by him.
“Yes, that is what I wanted to say. Make sure you include the extra details I told you.”
“Yes, sire,” the scribe responded.
Pontius Pilate looked at the men before him. “So, Longinus, I’m sorry to call for you. I know you’ve had a long day.” He looked at Justus. “Who is this?”
“My name is Justus Flavius, sire. I serve Rome in Capernaum. My men and I were summoned as support for the Passover detail.”
“This has been a nasty business,” Pilate commented. “At least it will be over tomorrow.” He looked around the room, and raised his hand to indicate a man in priest’s robes standing just to the left side of the bema, or judgment seat where he sat.
“Longinus, this is Joseph of Arimathea. He is a wealthy man; well respected in the city. He has asked for the body of Jesus, the Nazarene. He wants to take care of the burial requirements for us. He will need help getting the body down.”
Longinus and Flavius looked at Joseph. “We will see to it, my lord,” Antonio answered.
“There’s more,” Pilate said. “I also called you here because we have a small complication. Caiaphas has yet again managed to put a fly in my ointment. He has ‘requested’ that we set a watch on the tomb for three days. It seems this man said he was going to rise from the dead or some such nonsense. I want you to seal the tomb and set a watch. Rotate the men if you have to. I know they are all tired after the week.” He paused, thinking.
“That’s all,” the Prefect finished. “You can go.”
As Justus and Antonio turned to go, they heard him speak to his assistant. “I asked you for water and a towel.”
“I brought them to you, sire,” the assistant responded.
“I know. I used those. They are soiled now. I need another basin of water,” Pilate commanded. “I need to scrub my hands again.”
“Yes, sire. I will do whatever you say. But if you keep washing your hands, you will rub them even rawer than they already are.”
“Don’t presume to tell me what to do, man!” the Prefect angrily replied. “Who are you to tell me if my hands are clean or unclean? I have to get this blood off of them!”
Outside the palace, the three were met by another priest. He was waiting in a wagon. “What did he say, Joseph?” Nicodemus asked.
“He gave me the body,” Joseph answered. “But these gentlemen have been asked to seal the tomb and guard it.”
“I have myrrh and aloes to anoint his wounds and prepare him for burial, here in the wagon,” Nicodemus told him.
“It will take a huge amount,” Joseph said, with a sad sigh. “How much did you bring?”
“About a hundred pounds,” came the reply.
“That might be enough,” Joseph answered. “We had better hurry. Nightfall is coming.”
(C) 2010 DG- AwakenedtoGrow. Duplication without permission prohibited.
Posted in Book excerpts | Tagged crucifixion, good friday, journey excerpt 1, longinus, relationships | Leave a Comment »
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