When I think of Christmas, I think of kids.  I don’t know about you, but Christmas was always a special time at our house.  Homemade cookies, candy, parties, toys, & family were the best memories I have.  As a child growing up, I always had the security of a good family.  I never knew what it was like to go to bed hungry or not know I was loved beyond belief.  I was very blessed.  It humbles me to know what a wonderful childhood I had.  It could have very easily been another way.  You don’t pick who you are born to.  Thankfully, I was born to two precious people, who had a way with a feisty little girl.

At this time of year, I get to thinking about what would be the best presents, for my kids, at Christmas. What special memory can I give them about this time of year?  I came across this article & wanted to share it with you.  It is the best gift you can possibly give your children all year long.

We should conduct our homes so that children will remember:

• Daddy & Mama were kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32).
• Home was a happy place, governed by the law of love (Psalm 119:165).
• Each child was treated fairly and required to obey his or her parents (Ephesians 6:1-4).
• Sunday was a day of worship (Acts 20:7).
• The Bible, God’s law, settled everything (Psalm 33:4).
• Home was a place where friendships were dear, but truth was dearer (Proverbs 18:24, 23:23).
• Although mama & daddy worked hard, they took time to read the Bible daily & pray (Hebrews 10:22).

There is still time for many of us to create good memories for our children & grandchildren.  One of the best things I remember growing up, was how special church was to my family.  At the church we went to, my Daddy was the preacher, my Mama a Sunday School teacher, my Papaw a song leader, who they also called on to pray & serve the Lord’s table, my Mamaw cooked for those in need, was at every service (with the rest of us), & loved our church family dearly.  I had aunts, uncles, & cousins that were also serving the congregation.  It’s funny, I never really thought of this being one of my Daddy’s jobs.  It was just my life & I have been so blessed to have lived it.  Me & my brother did have some requirements.  (Some of which were perhaps a smidge challenging to an active/high spirited/could not keep her mouth shut/curious type child).

We were to be attentive. 

We were to be dressed properly (hair combed, teeth brushed, & in our Sunday best). 

We were to be cordial & kind to others. 

And never, ever, ever were we allowed to go to the bathroom close to the end of Daddy’s sermon. 

Doing this would possibly create a need to walk back to our seat while the invitation song was being sung.  That was Daddy’s moment to help those that needed prayer, baptizing, or other spiritual assistance.  My Mama was not going to interfere with one of her kids walking up through there, appearing to come forward. (We sat on the front bench.)  So, she made sure we went to the restroom & got a brief drink from the water fountain in between Sunday School & Worship Service.  I haven’t had to have therapy or counseling due to this, so I’m sure it was just an inconvenience we lived through.  As a matter of fact, it taught us to watch what was going on & be aware of other people’s feelings.  Not just a great memory, but good upbringing.  Sometimes at church, I see kids & adults walking around during the invitation song.  I’m like, “Wow, my Mama would have never had that.”

We may not have had the very best of everything life had to offer.  But we had a stable, loving family.    That’s what I strive to provide for my own kids & grandkids.  Is it perfect?  No, but they know they are loved & we are here to support them in all the ups & downs of life.  That’s more memorable than any Ipad, Dr. Dre’s Beats, or 4 wheeler.***

 

I do hope you were raised with wonderful memories at Christmas.  If not, it’s not too late to be the person who makes special memories for others.  Children are a blessing from God.  We should always treat them as such.  That means not letting them by with everything in the book, teaching them to be respectful, & honest.  However, that starts with us, first.  My prayer today is that you will have the courage & braveness of heart to do right & good.  Not just for others sake, but for your own, as well. I know of some adults, who as children, did not have a regal upbringing.  However, now their parents have come around & taken care of their own problems.  They have become wonderful grandparents & not to mention a great support to their kids.  It’s never too late.

 

I hope you are having a wonderful & magical holiday season.  We are ramping up for a big couple of days at our house.  There will be family visiting, kids squealing in delight, & we will be cooking.  A lot.  It goes without saying, my usual New Year’s resolution of losing weight will be on my list.  As for now, I have to be going, because I should be washing clothes.

 

photo credits: pinterest, Thomas Kincaid collection, & my trusty Iphone

Parts of this was taken from a House to House, Heart to Heart bulletin.

***On a side note, I am not trying to be disrespectful to those who buy expensive gifts for their kids.  I am just saying all those things can break, be stolen, or wear out.  The things you instill in your kids can never be taken away from them.  Just a thought.