Child Number Three

On my thankful list for Christmas is of course my youngest son. He was the quietest of the three (God's mercy on me, with two very lively older ones) He still is. Yet, in him is a rich clean river that refreshes and nourishes at just the right times. He has a noble heart, and so much courage I stand in awe. He is steady too. At some of my most difficult moments, he would reassure me, "It's gonna be ok, Mama." and there would be grace on his words that strengthened me. I am forever thankful for him.
"I love you too, Mama." is how he ends our phone calls. Mothers who read this will understand how those five words are like sunshine for the heart. I love you too, son. And I am so thankful to God for the gift of my Colin

My Joy Boy

Next on the list of things I am thankful for is my elder son. He is a bright star shining in a dark universe. Brilliantly gifted, he is truly one of the most creative people I have ever met. Whatever he turns to he transforms with beauty and imagination. Everywhere he goes he influences everyone with the reality of heaven and the joy of God.
He's been called a psalmist, artist, poet, minstrel, and prophet. He is brother, son, friend, lover. There is only 100% with him in everything. If you're having a bad day, he would make it your best day ever, by just walking with him.
He was a delightful chubby baby. He is now a handsome, completely engaging man.
I am thankful he is my son, that I know him, and that God put him in my life.

I am also thankful....

for the gift of a daughter. I have the best one, truly. I cannot imagine what life would have been like without her. In graceful brilliance she brings joy, peace, love, wisdom and truth wherever she goes. She is mine, but in a marvelous way, she is her own. I glimpse her womanhood for clues to understand mine.
When there is a crisis in the family she generously doses out strength, encouragement and help like home baked cookies - warm, fresh, pure.
Her name means pure. And she is... pure love, pure joy, pure woman.
I am blessed.

I'm thankful for....

...being married to a man of honor, Charles L. Fields. After 37 years of marriage, I am beginning to experience the "two shall become one". I say beginning to, because for so many years I was more focused on "me" than "we". It's not an emotional thing, or even a mental thing, it's more systemic, like I am no longer just who I am. I am him in another form, I am his other self.
My dad used to introduce my mother to people as "his better half". I always liked that. But, I don't feel half of anything. I feel complete.

Merry Christmas, Charlie. I love you.

My Christmas List

I’ve decorated the bookstore and the house (mostly)for Christmas. It’s a ritual that I enjoy. But this morning, I realized there is a more beautiful element that I can lavish everywhere, amidst the pine branches and tiny white lights and ceramic ornaments: it’s thankfulness.
A friend of mine committed to 40 days of thankfulness. Every day he would list what he was thankful for, and choose one to meditate on, usually something he was grateful to God about.
So, this year I want my “Christmas List” to be what I am thankful for in my life. For the next two weeks, I am going to list the abundant blessings in my life.

Christmas Quiz

Try answering these questions WITHOUT checking in your bible first. See how well you know the Christmas story.

1. What did Mary ride to Bethlehem?
2. Where did Mary and Joseph stay when they got there?
3. What animals witnessed Jesus' birth?
4. What time of year was Jesus born?
5. How many wise men were there?

If you think you know the answers, send them to me in the comments or by email to blog@theamorybookstore.com
Anyone who gets all 5 correct (remember, no cheating by looking up the answers in your bible!)gets a 15% off coupon towards your online store purchase.
I'll publish the answers next Monday!

The Second Manger Scene

According to St. Bonaventure in the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi desired the townspeople to commemorate the birth of Jesus. After obtaining permission from the pope, he prepared a real manger, brought in hay, an ox and a donkey. Then he gathered the townspeople to the site one night, and their torches and voices filled the forest with brilliance and praise.

Francis full of tears of joy, preached to the people about the birth of the poor King. So profound was his reverence and devotion to the Lord, he could barely speak His name, but referred to Him instead as, “the Babe of Bethlehem.”

The story continues with a soldier name Master John of Grecio, who had left his military pursuits and had become a friend of Francis’. While beholding Francis’ manger, the former soldier saw a vision of “an Infant marvelously beautiful, sleeping in the manger.” This vision was believed not only because of the character of Master John, but also because of the miracles that followed.

It is said that the hay of that manger cured diseases of animals and “many other pestilences”.

In our day, this simple display suffers much public controversy.
The Babe of Bethlehem still causes “the fall and rise of many in Israel and for a sign to be opposed…”Luke 2:35

I love the manger scene, wherever it is displayed, because I love the One who came to reconcile me back to God.