tis the season to be jolly

fa la la la la-la la la laaaaaaaaaa!!!

Yes, it is the Christmas season. I think if you ask 10 people, you are likely to get at least 6 different responses as to what this season means to them.

For me, while I thoroughly enjoy the merriment, gift-giving, family time and food (lots of food)- I also really like to ensure that I continually celebrate Jesus. I know He wasn't born in December, but alas this is the time that we have set aside to say "happy birthday"! So Christmas represents life, hope, salvation, joy....Jesus. Its also synonymous with family, food, and Junkanoo!!!!!!!!!!!!

While, those values and traditions remain relevant for me, this Christmas is different. It was the first time, that as an adult, living on my own, that I've put up my own Christmas tree. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee can you say excited? side note: it seriously made my day [week, nah season] when Dayton walked in with the tree and surprised me! Of course, Daelyn Grace is still totally oblivious so there isn't so much excitement from her, but just her presence has made it a very special one. She is by far my best. gift. ever!

I didn't buy any gifts for her and probably won't until she's at least 2 years old, when there is a recognition of a "gift"--not that she is by any means short on gifts. The tree already has gifts for her and an extra large stocking filled with baby goodies. However,  I do want is to begin Jones' family traditions. Traditions that keep us (and teach her) to be grounded in our faith; to celebrate life, freedom, hope, joy and salvation. Traditions that go beyond the superficiality of the newest toy. I haven't figured out what that's gonna be yet.

I do plan on asking all her godparents to make a tree decoration that we can use annually when we put up the tree. But as for us...Dayton, Daelyn and I- I'm drawing a blank. Maybe it will come to me on Christmas day? :)

What are your family traditions, whether past or current? If not yours, do you have any suggestions for me?

Merry Christmas from the Jones family. May these days be filled with joy, hope, peace and fulfillment regardless of how (or if) you choose to celebrate. 

As I was drafting this, I realized that it would have been ideal to have a family picture for this week's post but apparently, I'm still new to this family thing and failed on the holiday family picture card thing. sigh. I promise to do better next year). But until then....enjoy the sights and sounds of Junkanoo!

Grace peace love and joy,
Gia

celebration of life

As I somberly thought of what today represents, I was "awakened" to another perspective of death...as a "celebration of life".

And that is exactly what I reflected on in my quiet time this morning. Yes, the death of Christ is monumental.  It is through His dying, that we have life. It was the act of dying that He fulfilled the requirement, becoming the ultimate sacrifice so now we have salvation, grace, and mercy.

But before the death...there was the man.

I thought excitedly about how His life was exemplary. He came, giving up deity, taking on human flesh.  This meant He placed himself in a position to experience the hurts, pains, and even limitations of humanity.  But even more, He came and showed us how to live.

*I think of Cana - where water was turned into wine. A practical act, but yet supernatural (John 2:1-11).

*I think of Capernum - multiple healings of the sick and in particular the paralyzed man (Matt 8:16, Mark 1:32, Luke 4:40, Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:18-26). It was also in Capernum, where one of the first healings of demon possession occurred (Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:33-37).

*I think of Bethsaida or thereabouts - where more than 5000 people were fed with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Another very practical act, born out of genuine care and compassion for people...but still supernatural (Matthew 14:13-21).

*I think of somewhere in Judea or therabouts- where people brought their children to Jesus, and through His actions and words, He affirmed and validated the life of children (Matthew 19:13-15).

*I think of Jesus, on his many journeys, how He not only affirmed and validated, but empowered so many who were outcast, sick or devalued, for example, the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 13:10-13), Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10), selection of his disciples.

*and finally, I think of Gethsamene (Mount of Olives).  This place represented His prayer closet. So many times we see where Jesus went here for quiet time and communion with His Father.  But most difficult were the painful last moments where we really catch a glimpse into His humanity. Where He battled with the most difficult decision that was before Him. Whether or not, He would surrender to purpose and walk in God's will, which required that He not only die...but die a death of shame and gruesome pain. And then, even in these last moments, when He could have been so selfish and bitter and depressed...He still extended mercy and authority in the act of restoring the ear of one of the guards which was cut off by a zealous disciple (Luke 22:39-51).

This Good Friday is different. I will still humbly, solemnly remember...as I never want to forget what Jesus did on the Cross...but I also celebrate the life, the very full life that He lived.

The life that gives me an example of how to live:

compassionate, connected to the Father, practical in caring for the daily needs of others, merciful and nonjudgmental, respectful of everyone (child, orphan, widow, the marginalized) and finally, a life that is full of power and authority to walk in the supernatural, not just for show or for my personal gain, but for the sake of my brother and sister who need chains broken, who need to be healed, who needs a glimpse of Jesus.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Wordless Wednesday: Freedom

Celebrate

I'm a huge believer in celebrating small victories so this is my lil celebration post...

Today was a good day!

.

in fact, yesterday and today were both good days. I've always loved the fall season simply because of the beautiful array of colors and today as I walked to school and in between classes, I was able to truly enjoy the season. It was really cool to walk amidst the leaves and actually have the leaves falling about me. There was no wind factor so walking this morning in 45 degrees didn't feel like 20 degrees (yay), i.e. I was actually able to enjoy the brisk walk!

After classes, I had the pleasure of visiting with classmates and enjoying pumpkin pie ---one of my absolute favorites. The day ended with my walk home in the rain....in cloth shoes. Yea, that was icky but I didn't allow that to kill my spirits. I was a bit freaked out since the thunder was rolling but the rain wasn't heavy enough to leave me soaked..just wet shoes and wet feet so I just walked as quickly as my legs would allow and now I'm trying to get warm.



so that's it...the rest of my evening will consist of laundry, marking papers and finishing my essay. All of which need to be completed tonight...



smooches