Chris Loehmer Kincaid's Blog, page 144
January 1, 2015
ACCEPTANCE
A year ago, I ran across another blog which was talked about choosing a word for the year. I did some research and discovered this is actually rather popular. Many people, whether bloggers, Christians or random strangers on Facebook, pick a word to concentrate on in the coming year. A word which can offer support and inspiration, a word which can pull your focus back to where you need it to be.
My word for 2014 was ACCEPTANCE. I typed it up and put it on my desk for the year.
That's a picture of my Compassion girl in Kenya above my word. Occasionally during the past twelve months, I would look at that word and would indeed get my focus back. More often, however, I would look at it and think, “What am I supposed to do with that word again?”
As the months passed, I forgot more and more about that word on my desk. The first of October I sent my third book to my publisher, he accepted it and we began the stressful process of preparing my shoddy manuscript for publication. Though I knew it would be tight, I had high hopes for the book being out by Christmas.
And I came so close. Until I started getting emails from my publisher apologizing for there being a snag with their printer. The days dragged into weeks and the 25th of December loomed large on the calendar.
And a certain word loomed on my desk.
ACCEPTANCE
Then there in the mail on December 23 was a neat little package containing the proof copy of “The Early Life of Jesus in 40 Days”. At this point, I always feel like just tossing it to the side. I don’t know if other authors feel the same way, but after all that work, it feels anticlimactic to hold your finished book in your hand.
I grudgingly opened the package, turned the book over and found three mistakes on the back cover. I was crushed. I really did want to throw the book across the room.
ACCEPTANCE
I don’t know why, but God had a reason for the delay in printing the book and the further delay caused by these errors (errors I should have caught on the electronic proof).
I don’t know what the New Year will bring (hopefully a case of “The Early Life of Jesus in 40 Days” within the next two weeks) and I don’t know what word to choose to keep me on track for the year. I do know of one word that has worked well just recently.
ACCEPTANCE
My word for 2014 was ACCEPTANCE. I typed it up and put it on my desk for the year.
That's a picture of my Compassion girl in Kenya above my word. Occasionally during the past twelve months, I would look at that word and would indeed get my focus back. More often, however, I would look at it and think, “What am I supposed to do with that word again?”As the months passed, I forgot more and more about that word on my desk. The first of October I sent my third book to my publisher, he accepted it and we began the stressful process of preparing my shoddy manuscript for publication. Though I knew it would be tight, I had high hopes for the book being out by Christmas.
And I came so close. Until I started getting emails from my publisher apologizing for there being a snag with their printer. The days dragged into weeks and the 25th of December loomed large on the calendar.
And a certain word loomed on my desk.
ACCEPTANCE
Then there in the mail on December 23 was a neat little package containing the proof copy of “The Early Life of Jesus in 40 Days”. At this point, I always feel like just tossing it to the side. I don’t know if other authors feel the same way, but after all that work, it feels anticlimactic to hold your finished book in your hand.
I grudgingly opened the package, turned the book over and found three mistakes on the back cover. I was crushed. I really did want to throw the book across the room.
ACCEPTANCE
I don’t know why, but God had a reason for the delay in printing the book and the further delay caused by these errors (errors I should have caught on the electronic proof).
I don’t know what the New Year will bring (hopefully a case of “The Early Life of Jesus in 40 Days” within the next two weeks) and I don’t know what word to choose to keep me on track for the year. I do know of one word that has worked well just recently.
ACCEPTANCE
December 30, 2014
My wish for you
When I got to church Sunday morning, these three words were etched in the Snow along the sidewalk leading up to the church doors.
Funny. We usually go to church on Saturday night. If we would have last weekend, I would have missed this in the dark. Or maybe the words hadn't been written in the snow yet.
In any case, I discovered these words when I did because that was part of God's wish for me.
My wish for you in the coming year is that you are granted peace, your heart is filled with hope and you are surrounded by love.
Funny. We usually go to church on Saturday night. If we would have last weekend, I would have missed this in the dark. Or maybe the words hadn't been written in the snow yet.In any case, I discovered these words when I did because that was part of God's wish for me.
My wish for you in the coming year is that you are granted peace, your heart is filled with hope and you are surrounded by love.
December 28, 2014
Post-Christmas Post
We all know what Mary and Joseph found in the manger on the first Christmas.But what did I find this Christmas?
In my woods, I found the perfect little Christmas tree. But I thought he looked perfect in the woods and wouldn't look so perfect in my living room.
In my living room, my husband had already put up and decorated the perfect Christmas tree. It maybe wouldn't be everyone's perfect tree, but it is perfect because it is in my very imperfect house.
Santa paid me a visit and brought me a treat. The only thing cuter than his treat is he himself.
I found a ridiculous amount of presents with my name on them. I may be spoiled, but I am blessed too.
Dino is spoiled too. But all he really wanted for Christmas was to be with his family, but he found this old bone in his toy box and that made him even happier.
And at the end of the day, when the sun had set, I found that the lights had come on like always.
I also found that I have a family who loves me as much as I love them.
I pray you all were also blessed this Christmas and that you found what you were hoping for.
I pray you found Jesus in your heart. May God bless you in the coming year.
In my woods, I found the perfect little Christmas tree. But I thought he looked perfect in the woods and wouldn't look so perfect in my living room.
In my living room, my husband had already put up and decorated the perfect Christmas tree. It maybe wouldn't be everyone's perfect tree, but it is perfect because it is in my very imperfect house.
Santa paid me a visit and brought me a treat. The only thing cuter than his treat is he himself.
I found a ridiculous amount of presents with my name on them. I may be spoiled, but I am blessed too.
Dino is spoiled too. But all he really wanted for Christmas was to be with his family, but he found this old bone in his toy box and that made him even happier.
And at the end of the day, when the sun had set, I found that the lights had come on like always.
I also found that I have a family who loves me as much as I love them.
I pray you all were also blessed this Christmas and that you found what you were hoping for.I pray you found Jesus in your heart. May God bless you in the coming year.
December 21, 2014
Four Days Til Christmas
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Luke 2:15-18
The shepherds were used to staying up all night watching their sheep. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t get tired and bored. The message from the angels had to have startled them wide awake. They were maybe even pleased to have a little excitement, a change of pace. Perhaps they looked at each other, shrugged and said, “We better check this out.” So they left their sheep to fend for themselves and headed into town.When the shepherds saw the baby, they knew the angel was right; this wasn’t just any baby. This little boy was special and would grow up to save us all.
How did the sheepherders know, just by looking at this newborn, that He had come to save them? Had the angels’ message been that convincing? Perhaps. But more likely, the Holy Spirit came into their hearts and minds and showed them the truth.Have you ever had a moment where things suddenly came clear to you? Maybe you were unsure of something, and without explanation, you suddenly understood? Perhaps God’s Holy Spirit revealed the truth to you.
(From "The Christmas Story in 40 Days", published by Life Sentence Publishing, 2013)
From the Children's Christmas program at my church last night.
The shepherds were used to staying up all night watching their sheep. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t get tired and bored. The message from the angels had to have startled them wide awake. They were maybe even pleased to have a little excitement, a change of pace. Perhaps they looked at each other, shrugged and said, “We better check this out.” So they left their sheep to fend for themselves and headed into town.When the shepherds saw the baby, they knew the angel was right; this wasn’t just any baby. This little boy was special and would grow up to save us all.
How did the sheepherders know, just by looking at this newborn, that He had come to save them? Had the angels’ message been that convincing? Perhaps. But more likely, the Holy Spirit came into their hearts and minds and showed them the truth.Have you ever had a moment where things suddenly came clear to you? Maybe you were unsure of something, and without explanation, you suddenly understood? Perhaps God’s Holy Spirit revealed the truth to you.
(From "The Christmas Story in 40 Days", published by Life Sentence Publishing, 2013)
From the Children's Christmas program at my church last night.
December 14, 2014
Eleven Days Til Christmas
So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendent of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. Luke 2:4-5
The people in Bible times placed much importance on their family line, and they were expected to return to their ancestors' hometowns for the census. Various characters throughout the Bible have whole lists written of their descendants. It would only make sense to them that if they were all going to be counted, they would go to the hometowns of their ancestors. Looking on a map, Nazareth appears to be fairly close to Bethlehem, approximately ninety miles away. It would’ve taken them at least several days to walk that distance, especially with Mary being pregnant. We picture Mary riding a donkey with Joseph walking beside her. There’s no mention in the Bible, however, that she rode a donkey. Since they were relatively poor, it is possible that she walked right along with Joseph.
When we take a trip somewhere, we make plans. We study a map and pack our bags. Things were different in Jesus’ time. There was no GPS, no triple A, and no spacious SUV. The donkey might have been their only luxury. Maybe. If they had a donkey. Imagine taking a week-long trip without any of the comforts we are used to. Now, imagine being pregnant besides.
(From "The Christmas Story in 40 Days", published by Life Sentence Publishing, 2013)
The people in Bible times placed much importance on their family line, and they were expected to return to their ancestors' hometowns for the census. Various characters throughout the Bible have whole lists written of their descendants. It would only make sense to them that if they were all going to be counted, they would go to the hometowns of their ancestors. Looking on a map, Nazareth appears to be fairly close to Bethlehem, approximately ninety miles away. It would’ve taken them at least several days to walk that distance, especially with Mary being pregnant. We picture Mary riding a donkey with Joseph walking beside her. There’s no mention in the Bible, however, that she rode a donkey. Since they were relatively poor, it is possible that she walked right along with Joseph.
When we take a trip somewhere, we make plans. We study a map and pack our bags. Things were different in Jesus’ time. There was no GPS, no triple A, and no spacious SUV. The donkey might have been their only luxury. Maybe. If they had a donkey. Imagine taking a week-long trip without any of the comforts we are used to. Now, imagine being pregnant besides.
(From "The Christmas Story in 40 Days", published by Life Sentence Publishing, 2013)
December 11, 2014
A Christmas Photo Challenge
This month's challenge from the personal photo challenge blog is Christmas Scenes. Maybe not the most original theme for December, but certainly a fun one.
It was hard to pick just a few photos from my archives, but I finally whittled it down to these three.
This beautiful figurine was up at our church a few years ago. I remember asking someone where it came from, but I can't remember what the answer was. For me, it captures so much of the first of Christmas.
I took this at church the same year.
I know. I kind of changed gears in a hurry, didn't I? For many years the hubby has dressed up as Santa. He had some Santa-gigs for a few years, and when that dried up - well - I couldn't get him to stop growing that beard and donning the red suit. In this picture, I had to touch up his beard with white hair paint, but each year his beard has come in with more white. This year, I don't think it will need any help. I will share pictures after his big day. Isn't the expression on his face priceless? Or something?
It was hard to pick just a few photos from my archives, but I finally whittled it down to these three.
This beautiful figurine was up at our church a few years ago. I remember asking someone where it came from, but I can't remember what the answer was. For me, it captures so much of the first of Christmas.
I took this at church the same year.
I know. I kind of changed gears in a hurry, didn't I? For many years the hubby has dressed up as Santa. He had some Santa-gigs for a few years, and when that dried up - well - I couldn't get him to stop growing that beard and donning the red suit. In this picture, I had to touch up his beard with white hair paint, but each year his beard has come in with more white. This year, I don't think it will need any help. I will share pictures after his big day. Isn't the expression on his face priceless? Or something?
December 8, 2014
Decorating for Christmas Past
Over the weekend, I dragged the totes full of Christmas decorations upstairs. And that's all the further I got. I thought that maybe if I looked back over some of the pictures from past Christmases, I would get inspired to start decorating. Hasn't worked yet. I'm thinking more like I should just blow these pictures up and set them around the house! Think anyone would notice that the stuff isn't real?
Peanuts all over the piano.
Those animated snowmen from the Hallmark store. It is double-duty when I put them out, as I have to find batteries for them as well.
One shelf for penguins and one for snowglobes.
And two whole shelves for the Snowmen.
And this isn't even all of it. There is the wall full of stockings and the mantel for the real stockings. The random stuff I hang on the dining room wall. Don't even get me started on the tree - I hate the tree. And I totally forgot the table full of Nativities! I guess it will still be "bah-humbug" for a few more days. I will get it together by the 23rd. Promise.
Peanuts all over the piano.
Those animated snowmen from the Hallmark store. It is double-duty when I put them out, as I have to find batteries for them as well.
One shelf for penguins and one for snowglobes.
And two whole shelves for the Snowmen. And this isn't even all of it. There is the wall full of stockings and the mantel for the real stockings. The random stuff I hang on the dining room wall. Don't even get me started on the tree - I hate the tree. And I totally forgot the table full of Nativities! I guess it will still be "bah-humbug" for a few more days. I will get it together by the 23rd. Promise.
December 7, 2014
18 Days Til Christmas
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Luke 1:26-27
What do we know about Joseph and Mary? Tradition tells us that Mary was young, a teen-ager, possibly as young as fourteen. Joseph was older, maybe thirty years old or more. That was a common age spread for the time. We have a hard time putting that into our modern view of marriage. In addition, this was most likely an arranged marriage. Mary and Joseph probably knew each other through family ties, but they had never dated, as couples would today. They almost certainly hadn’t spent any time alone together.But at that time, being engaged was the same as being married. It was a lifelong commitment which could only be legally broken by a divorce or death. The one difference between engagement and marriage at that time was that the couple was not yet living together.
How different marriage during biblical times seems to us. However, there are places in the world today where such traditions are still practiced.
If you are married, how long did you know your spouse before you were engaged? If you are single, how long do you think you should know someone before talking about marriage? And would any one of us not want to know our spouse until our wedding day? What does this tell us about God's definition of love compared with how the world views love?
(From "The Christmas Story in 40 Days",
published by Life Sentence Publishing, 2013)
December 5, 2014
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
I know that it has been a long time since I walked the streets of my town and shared about it here. I admitted a while back that I am just not as fond of winter as I used to be. And if I am outside, I will be wearing mittens, which are not conducive to photography. Yet here I am. One last time this year. (No guarantees what the new year will bring.)
A week ago Saturday night was the yearly Christmas parade downtown Tomahawk. The parade covers an entire two blocks. I know, how crazy-huge is that! And there were probably more people in the parade than were watching it. Sometimes I wish I were living in the 60s again where these home-town things were cool (and not just in the physical sense).
Anyway, so here is the line-up getting ready.
The horse-drawn sleigh bringing Santa to town.
Lastly, there is a Christmas tree Winter Wonderland in the empty lot behind the Rodeo Saloon. Any group or organization can sign up for a tree and decorate it, then the trees are donated to needy families or other charitable causes.
The hubby had made an appointment for my car at eight this Friday morning. The forecast was to be somewhat reasonable, so I thought I would use that time to take in the wintery sights of downtown. Here is that tree lot with most of the trees gone.
For the outdoor winter enthusiast, I would say that miniature golf is out.
I don’t think there will be any horse-shoe throwing at the American Legion either.
Luckily, though, the city crew is always out getting the snow off of our streets.
The dreary-looking morning didn’t clear up before my car was finished and I was able to head home.
If you don’t hear from me before the 25th, have a Merry Christmas.
A week ago Saturday night was the yearly Christmas parade downtown Tomahawk. The parade covers an entire two blocks. I know, how crazy-huge is that! And there were probably more people in the parade than were watching it. Sometimes I wish I were living in the 60s again where these home-town things were cool (and not just in the physical sense).
Anyway, so here is the line-up getting ready.
The horse-drawn sleigh bringing Santa to town.
Lastly, there is a Christmas tree Winter Wonderland in the empty lot behind the Rodeo Saloon. Any group or organization can sign up for a tree and decorate it, then the trees are donated to needy families or other charitable causes.
The hubby had made an appointment for my car at eight this Friday morning. The forecast was to be somewhat reasonable, so I thought I would use that time to take in the wintery sights of downtown. Here is that tree lot with most of the trees gone.
For the outdoor winter enthusiast, I would say that miniature golf is out.
I don’t think there will be any horse-shoe throwing at the American Legion either.
Luckily, though, the city crew is always out getting the snow off of our streets.
The dreary-looking morning didn’t clear up before my car was finished and I was able to head home.
If you don’t hear from me before the 25th, have a Merry Christmas.
November 30, 2014
Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.His love endures forever.2 Give thanks to the God of gods.His love endures forever.3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:His love endures forever.4 to him who alone does great wonders,His love endures forever.5 who by his understanding made the heavens,His love endures forever.6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,His love endures forever.7 who made the great lights—His love endures forever.8 the sun to govern the day,His love endures forever.9 the moon and stars to govern the night;His love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our low estateHis love endures forever.24 and freed us from our enemies.His love endures forever.25 He gives food to every creature.His love endures forever.26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.His love endures forever.(New International Version)
For the month of November, I have been blogging about 30 things I am thankful for. Last time you joined me here, I was up to number 25. Each verse of beautiful Psalm 136 gives us ideas of more things we should be thankful for. Here are the five remaining things I’d like to give thanks for, all of which I have pulled from this chapter of the Bible.
Number 26 I am thankful there is One True God and that His goodness and mercy endures forever.
Number 27 I am thankful that my One True God has made the heavens and the earth. He made these for all mankind, for our survival and our enjoyment.
Number 28 I am thankful that my One True God has made the sun to shine down on this earth during the day, to keep us warm and to grow our plants. And I am thankful that He placed a moon and the stars in the nighttime sky, to guide us when we are lost and alone in the still darkness of the night.
Number 29 I am thankful that my One True God has made food and drink to sustain us. I am thankful that He has granted me such a wealth of items to pick from, from healthy to decadent.
Number 30 I am thankful that my One True God sent His only begotten Son to die for my sins so that I will not suffer eternal death, but instead will one day join Him in my eternal home in paradise.
And so we head into the Christmas season. 25 days from now we celebrate the night the world welcomed this Savior. Give thanks for that event today and every day.
23 He remembered us in our low estateHis love endures forever.24 and freed us from our enemies.His love endures forever.25 He gives food to every creature.His love endures forever.26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.His love endures forever.(New International Version)
For the month of November, I have been blogging about 30 things I am thankful for. Last time you joined me here, I was up to number 25. Each verse of beautiful Psalm 136 gives us ideas of more things we should be thankful for. Here are the five remaining things I’d like to give thanks for, all of which I have pulled from this chapter of the Bible.
Number 26 I am thankful there is One True God and that His goodness and mercy endures forever.
Number 27 I am thankful that my One True God has made the heavens and the earth. He made these for all mankind, for our survival and our enjoyment.
Number 28 I am thankful that my One True God has made the sun to shine down on this earth during the day, to keep us warm and to grow our plants. And I am thankful that He placed a moon and the stars in the nighttime sky, to guide us when we are lost and alone in the still darkness of the night.
Number 29 I am thankful that my One True God has made food and drink to sustain us. I am thankful that He has granted me such a wealth of items to pick from, from healthy to decadent.
Number 30 I am thankful that my One True God sent His only begotten Son to die for my sins so that I will not suffer eternal death, but instead will one day join Him in my eternal home in paradise.
And so we head into the Christmas season. 25 days from now we celebrate the night the world welcomed this Savior. Give thanks for that event today and every day.
