March 2016

But What About Second Christmas?

Posted on March 29, 2016 by TreeMarch 29, 2016

Easter Sunday just passed us. Happy Easter. What do those words really mean to you? What do they mean to me? This year, I found myself struggling with this holiday. As it approached, I was burdened with the thoughts of “what am I going to wear?“, “I need to buy my daughter a new outfit“, “what am I going to plan for dinner?“, “I need to clean the house“, “I need to shop for gifts for the kids” and “I haven’t gotten my Easter decorations out yet“. Not that those thoughts don’t occupy my mind every single year at this time. But this year, it bothered me.

As a Christian, I do remember what the Lord Jesus did here on earth for me. He was born for me, he died for me, and most importantly – He lives! I realize that Easter is the day we are to celebrate that, and often times Christians will say “Happy Resurrection Sunday” in lieu of “Happy Easter” – which is more fitting being that 1. It’s the one day we are celebrating His resurrection and 2. Easter was traditionally a pagan holiday. I am thinking, though – that it’s quite unhonoring to choose one day to make a big celebration over this. If He is the reason we celebrate, if He is the reason we live – ought we not to celebrate that fact every. single. day?

My social media feeds were flooded, as I am sure yours were – with pictures of grand celebrations of homes that were decorated with flower, eggs, and bunnies. Families dressed in their “Easter Best” with picture-perfect kids. And let us not forget the mountains of gift hoards, enormous baskets, baskets with gifts overflowing – extravagant gifts. It’s not just candy anymore. It looked more like a second Christmas to me.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s all beautiful. And I love cute things, and fluffy bunnies, and giving gifts to my children. But wow. I bought into all of this, too. I raised my kids doing these types of things. I told them that we were celebrating Jesus, that it was not about all of this stuff. But what did I exemplify? I did not walk my talk. The expectation to do all of this is all around us. But more damaging is that it’s inside of me. I place expectations on myself regarding this holiday based on what its around me in the world, and what I have always done. And that is the root of my struggle this year. To quote Cinderella, “Just because it’s what’s done, doesn’t mean it’s what should be done.“

Just Because

So – I did not buy new clothes, clean house, decorate, or make way too much dinner like I normally do. I did go to church and spend time with my family. And it was all ok. I don’t feel as though I missed out on anything. I did use the day as an excuse to buy a little gift for each of my girls – but I always buy them stuff just because I love to, so it was nothing out of the norm for me 😉 )

I am on a journey this year. To BE more than what I have been. To BE the woman God wants me to BE. I believe the way my heart is struggling with this is a direct result of me drawing near to Him, opening my heart to listen to Him, and being open to Him changing me.

I don’t want to place these expectations on myself anymore. I do it each year at Christmas time, too. I hope and pray by that time, my heart will be at peace. I want to rest knowing that it doesn’t matter if I decorate the house “on time”, or that my kids only receive one gift vs. many, or that their stockings don’t contain $100 worth of gifts each.

The reasons for these holidays – for me, are truths that are planted in my heart that I will celebrate every day I am alive. I have a wonderful Savior who loves me like no other. He was born to die that I might live.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3

Blessings,
Teresa

The Narrow, Slippery Path

Posted on March 19, 2016 by TreeMarch 29, 2016 6

Any time I make a decision to do something that would please God, I step onto a path that is both narrow and slippery. In the beginning of this year, I made a decision to BE the woman I was meant to be – that I longed to be. I vowed to lose weight, eat healthy, de-clutter my house and my life, and other things.

I started off great, as I usually do. At the beginning of March I had lost a total of 11.2 lbs. – which is great being that my goal was to lose 5 lbs a month. I was recording my weight loss at the beginning of each week in my daily planner. I was on track and feeling productive. But something has happened this past week – and if I continue to ignore it (as I have done in the past), I will find myself completely off the path I have chosen, and headed down the wrong direction.

“Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.” Pr. 4:26-27

This path I am on is extremely slippery, and I know I have slipped. I picture myself on a narrow path at the top of a cliff. If I do not look ahead keep my eyes on God, with my feet being firmly planted on that path – I will veer towards the edge and lose my footing. My current position is that I have fallen off but grabbed the edge of the cliff and am struggling to climb back up. I could just let go. I know there is another path within a safe falling distance. I will not get injured. And, in fact, it’s a much easier path to walk on, quite honestly. It’s wide – and not really slippery. But before I do that yet again, before I allow myself to lose my way – I am confronting this. Can my admission save me? Not really. But my confession can. I cry out to God, my Heavenly Father! “Help me! Please pull me up, back onto the path that I know You want me on. Back where you are. Where I trust in You. Where I am not distracted from the things you want me to do. I am sorry, and I don’t want to do this anymore!”

“From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Ps 61:2

Doing good things is good. It’s great. But I get relaxed in my resolve. I didn’t record my weight this past Monday. Because it showed gain, and not a loss. I tend to do that, subconsciously thinking the problem will go away if I ignore it. My workouts have not been as strong and focused. They have been more of a “let’s get this over with” sort of thing. And my personal devotion time has been kinda the same this week. There it is! That’s what it boils down to. When I am emotionally distant from God, whether I am still reading devotions and the Word or not – my world is not right! Where I am spiritually affects where I am in every other aspect of my life. And so here I hang on the edge of my cliff.

I have gained 2.6 lbs. I know, I know – some of you will say that’s not bad, etc. But what have I lost? I lost a whole week of my life. I lost my close connection to my Lord. I lost my resolve. I was trying on the outside, but with no results because on the inside – my heart was not in it.

I lost my footing.

I am making this public, calling myself out. Crying out to God. Because what is in my darkness needs to be exposed to the Light. Then it loses it’s power.

By the grace of God, I will look up towards heaven, and see Him – holding out His hands to me, waiting to pull me up and plant me on the right path again.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.” Pr 3:5-6

I pray this post encourages you, if you are in a place of complacency – to cry out to God.

Psalm 145:14

Blessings,

Teresa

My Star Wars Collection

Posted on March 17, 2016 by TreeMarch 17, 2016

I mentioned that I am a kid at heart – and I am a BIG kid. I love my toys. I play with my toys. I display my toys. So, in order to show you a little of that side of me, I decided it was time for something to be posted in the FUN category.

My oldest daughter owns a popular Star Wars fansite – Anakin and His Angel, and she is hosting a monthly link up centered around Star Wars (of course). This month’s topic is: Collection! Now, I am going to show you some of my favorite Star Wars collectibles 🙂

Some of my favorite Star Wars Collectibles

Breakdown: I have more Star Wars shirts than these, but the two pictured from Her Universe are my absolute faves! They are both long sleeve pullovers, and the “Hope” one is hooded!

My Star Wars Ears

I also have ears that I crocheted for myself to go with both of these shirts. I have worn the Chewie ears a few times, but have not gotten a chance to wear the Rebels/Ahsoka inspired ones yet. I am looking forward to that! You can see my other Star Wars creations in my shop: Harvester Products.
The large, roaring Chewie (main pic) was a Christmas gift from my hubby a few years ago. He still works, and even roars on his own sometimes, LOL.

Rebels Vinylmation Crew

There is the entire collection of the Rebels Ghost crew Vinylmation. I love this set! Kanan was a hard-to-get variant, and I wanted him so badly that I traded my Bearded Thor variant for him. #noregrets

Han Vinylmation Chaser

And then there is the Force Awakens Han Vinylmation Chaser (had to have him!), and my Chewie Vinyl as well.

The Hallmark Itty Bittys (main pic) are so cute – I love both Chewie and Yoda. I actually brought the Chewie with me to the theater to see The Force Awakens. My daughter thought I was so funny, she Tweeted about me!

Chewie and Wicket TsumTsums!

There are two tiny plushies I forgot to add to the big picture – my Chewie and Wicket TsumTsums! I love them, and have a large collection of Tsums. I even play the game!

Princess Kneesa the Ewok plush

Oh – my little Kneesa the Ewok plush is from Disneyland and I adore her. Isn’t she the cutest, chubbiest, thing?

“Chewie We’re Home”

This button kills me. Each time I see this scene, I cry. I keep the button on my bulletin board.

Exclusive Han Solo Funko POP!

I bought this exclusive Funko POP! on eBay – because – it’s old Han – and I just love it. I will probably unbox him, but right now my POP! display shelf is full (yikes).

Then there are my two pieces of jewelry (main pic) – my leather bracelet and my Rebels logo necklace, both purchased at Disneyland.

Ahsoka Infinity Figure

And last but not least – my Disney Infinity figures! And yes – I play Infinity! My husband actually bought me the starter set last Christmas. Ahsoka is my very favorite character, and I already have her maxed out at level 20!

And, here is proof that I actually do wear and love my Star Wars attire:

What do you think of my collection? Do you own any of the same things?

I’d love it if you left me a note and let me know what you collect!

Blessings,

A Father’s Love

Posted on March 12, 2016 by TreeMarch 12, 2016 4

There is something so remarkable about a father’s love for his children. The very most important aspect of it – is that it is representative of our Father in Heaven’s love for us. How we are loved by our earthly fathers greatly affects our perception of our Heavenly Father. Has he loved us unconditionally? Has he believed in us? Has he encouraged us? Is he proud of us? Has he been a gentle leader, modeling with his actions what he teaches us with his words? Has he shown his sons how to be a man, and told them that they have what it takes to be one? Has he instilled in his daughters confidence in their beauty and character? If it is easy to love and respect our earthly father, it will be easier to love and revere our Heavenly Father.

jim&tree

Growing up, I knew my daddy loved me. I would run out to meet him when he came home from work. He was affectionate. I would cuddle up with him in his big black armchair after he came home from work. He liked to spend time with me. I would go with him to the hardware and surplus stores (even though they weren’t my favorite) just to be with him. I love the smell of gasoline because it was a smell common to the garage, where I would hang out with him while he worked on cars or other projects. He was patient with me. He took time to talk to me when I had done wrong, and used teachable moments. He was merciful to me and offered grace when I came to him with probably the worst news a daughter could tell her dad – I was pregnant as an unwed teen. He has supported me emotionally and helped financially more times than I can count. He fixes anything and everything when he comes to visit. He has always been, and I know will always be – there for me.

Dad-n-Me March 2016

This month my dad came for a long visit. One night I was doing the dishes and he came over and stared at me with his little squinty eyes. Normally, this means he is about to say something witty or corny (or a little of both). Bracing myself, I asked him,”What?” He replied,”It’s so nice seeing you being such a good woman.” Now my dad always tells me how proud of me that he is. He consistently praises me and my family. But this one really stuck out. It was one of those moments that I will remember forever. How it makes a child’s heart soar to have their father’s approval!

Fast forward to this past weekend. I had a conversation that just breaks my heart. A friend was tearfully telling me how her father ignores her, and has never approved of her. All she wants is his love and acceptance. The need never goes away. From birth until the day you leave this earth. My most eloquent, heartfelt words, or even the biggest hug I could offer would not make that hurt go away.

But God can, He can comfort us. He loves us and accepts us. He is the perfect father, waiting – desiring to take all our burdens, shame, and pain and turn them into joy!

And for those blessed with dads who have done a great job, let’s be thankful. They have paved the way; making it all the more easier to believe in a Heavenly Father that loves us even more than they do!

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1A

Blessings,

Teresa