Camarillo, California

I am so blessed to have a house in California! I am especially grateful this time of year when the weather in Chicago is so COLD. Don't misunderstand, I love living in Chicago too. To me it is the most beautiful city in the United States . . . but, not in the winter!

Recently I took a few pictures of my little town in California - Camarillo. I thought I would share them with those of you who have never visited before, or haven't been here for awhile.

Enjoy!

More On Christmas

Today I went in to the local Subway shop to get a sandwich. The shop is a combination Subway and ice cream place. I didn't eat in - just picked up something to go.

As I was paying at the register I realized something.

The entire shop was completely VOID of Christmas. There were no lights, no Christmas tree, no garland, no holiday music . . . absolutely NOTHING.  The realization stopped me in my tracks.  I was actually stunned.  I turned and asked the kid behind the counter about it and he seemed almost as surprised as I was.  It was as if it was the first time he had realized there was not a single acknowledgement of the season. I also asked the girl behind the ice cream counter why there were no decorations and she just shrugged and said, "Oh, yeah. I guess I should put up some stockings or something,"  YA THINK?

What in the world is happening? Where is the Christmas spirit?

Since my last post I have been trying to adjust my attitude regarding Christmas and I have been reminding myself to focus on the reason we celebrate it.  Last night for instance, I devoted my prayer time to giving thanks for the precious gift I have been given in Jesus. I tried to imagine what my life would be like without the gift of salvation, the promise of heaven, and the blessing of being His own. It would be pretty grim without Him.

Wow!

He is worth celebrating every day.

Holiday Blues

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm struggling. I'm torn. I have a love / hate relationship with Christmas.

 Did I say that out loud?

  Oh . . . I guess I don't really "hate" Christmas. That's too strong of a word. Maybe it's more like, "I'm afraid I will not experience . . .

    
     That picture-postcard perfect Christmas with a beautifully decorated (live) tree that fills the house with the intoxicating scent of pine,

     Perfectly chosen, perfectly wrapped gifts that no one will re-gift next year,

     A crackling fire in the fireplace,

     Mouth-watering smells coming from the kitchen,

     A loving family gathered together around the piano singing Christmas carols in perfect harmony,

     A tangible gentleness that settles over neighbors, shoppers, co-workers, friends and strangers who are all on their best behavior in honor of the Christmas season.

     In short, am afraid I will be disappointed - AGAIN."

I know what you're thinking. "Really, H.A.! With unrealistic expectations like that it's no wonder you're afraid of being disappointed!"

Well, I can't help it. I long for the ideal. I want to experience the TRUE meaning of Christmas. I want the love of Christ to fill my heart, my home, my family, my friends, my business, my city, my state, and my nation!! I want the miracle of Luke 2:13, "And suddenly to the shepherds there appeared a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth PEACE and GOODWILL toward men!'"

I want my response to be the same as those who experienced the first Christmas. Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, Zacharias, the angels, the shepherds, Simeon, all basically had one response . . . praise and thanks and blessing and glory to God. The saviour of the world has come!

And . . .

I also want the Norman Rockwell / Thomas Kincaid Christmas. I miss having "traditions" to look forward to. For some reason I have never been able to create them. I don't have a special recipe, an annual photo, a special party dress or an occasion to wear one! Last year my sister-in-law Rosanne decorated the house from top to bottom and believe me it was stunning. Not a single person came over! I tried to pull various entertaining opportunities together but because of the hustle and bustle that attends the holidays, everyone was just too busy with their own plans. It was sad.

I'm not trying to sound pathetic. I'm merely trying to process my love / hate relationship with Christmas.

Maybe this year will be different. Maybe I am being unrealistic. Maybe I've watched too many old movies.

What do you think? Any thoughts?