I've had a blast taking Brady to & from school all this month (December). One reason: we have the opportunity to walk down through the beautiful gardens along the canal each morning; yet more importantly - we've had such fun singing Christmas tunes! (and loudly, I might add)
We started with "12 Days of Christmas" (she was odd days; I was even - or vice versa). This went on for a few days, then we switched to "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer." We soon 'discovered' the old, funny "Nuttin' for Christmas" -Thank goodness for You-tube & Google for lyrics! It really didn't matter to us who overheard our joyous songs, instead we just kept singing & laughing. We'd even try a little harmony or mix things up some. (note to self: practice singing "12 Days.." backwards next time...it was harder than I thought)
One morning before school I asked Brady to put something away (out of the den & back to her room). She was obedient, yet later I found out why it took her longer than usual to deliver the item to her wardrobe/closet. On the way to school she confessed that she had lingered in her room long enough to stick out her tongue a few times in my direction (the kitchen). This weighed heavy on her heart so she took the time on our walk to confess. Wow. A nine-year old teaching her (almost) 50-year old mom a lesson. After I had time to ponder over this 'transaction' (and prayerfully thank God for giving me such a spiritually beautiful child) I decided to let Brady know just how special she is and how much it meant to me what she'd done. On the way home from school I told her that she's so much more mature than her mom was at nine. I confessed that I'd done the same thing to my mom (her Nana) when I was her age. The only difference was that I don't think I'd ever confessed to her about it. (note to self: confess to her now - it's NEVER too late. I'm sorry, Mom..I did it, too. I love you.)
I told Brady she was such a beautiful, loving daughter and had taught her mom a valuable lesson. Confession leaves us cleansed, whole and reunited with God & each other.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. *1 John 1:9
I believe one of our favorite tunes in December will always be "Nuttin' for Christmas". And as I think about that old song I have decided...who needs anything for Christmas but knowing you're an heir for eternity to a King - born in a manger long, long ago. My daughter has reminded me the Best Christmas present I could ever want I already have.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
ID required
The Klumpps have been showered with love letters from so many family & friends. (thank you!!) We LOVE getting these little blessings from home. A few weeks ago we received our first 'care package' in the mail since arriving in Hong Kong...Thank You, Vicki Krehbiel!!! It was delivered to the little post office just a few blocks from our flat. We got the 'notice' in our mailbox downstairs with instructions that said we could pick up the package anytime. (Of course that meant figuring out WHEN they were open!)
On our way to the church one morning, Brady & I saw the 'OPEN' sign on the door and excitedly stepped inside to claim our 'prize'! The postman behind the glass nicely asked to see some form of ID. Now, since arriving in Hong Kong, the only ID that Brady & I have is our passport...which happened to be in another bag...at the flat! (Note to self: ALWAYS take passport with me when leaving home.)
*No picture ID, no passport = no care package.
The postman's face behind the glass was partially hidden because of the surgical mask he was wearing. I've seen several people here wearing the 'mask of fear' (as I call it) because of the SARS (bird flu) that struck in 2003. I refuse to wear a 'mask of fear' because I know my days are already numbered in heaven. The postman was very nice and told us he'd keep the package safe until we returned with identification.
The irony of this situation to me was that he wanted to know my identity, yet I had no way of knowing his. This started me thinking about my true identity. It seems I am rediscovering myself here in Hong Kong. God is clearly revealing to me exactly who I am - who He designed me to be. And He's having me start with the Karen Godsey in grade school. I can remember always being an upbeat, optimistic person. It was easy for me to be happy & in a good mood. As I got older I believe I lost part of myself; part of that happiness. I'm sure many of us have. Life is like that. We grow older and more cynical about the ways of man. Just try waiting in the shortest line at the grocery store and let it become the longest wait..see where your mood takes you. I know where mine used to go.
And that's the beauty of it - the reality of the "used to's." I've decided to be happy. To put the 'old pessimistic me' to bed for good. And remain optimistic no matter what my circumstance. Why? Because I have a friend who has taken my old identity and given me a new one. I am a new creation - therefore, I've a new identity. And that's something to be very joyous about.
My true identity is in my Savior - the resurrected Christ.
No I.D. required.
On our way to the church one morning, Brady & I saw the 'OPEN' sign on the door and excitedly stepped inside to claim our 'prize'! The postman behind the glass nicely asked to see some form of ID. Now, since arriving in Hong Kong, the only ID that Brady & I have is our passport...which happened to be in another bag...at the flat! (Note to self: ALWAYS take passport with me when leaving home.)
*No picture ID, no passport = no care package.
The postman's face behind the glass was partially hidden because of the surgical mask he was wearing. I've seen several people here wearing the 'mask of fear' (as I call it) because of the SARS (bird flu) that struck in 2003. I refuse to wear a 'mask of fear' because I know my days are already numbered in heaven. The postman was very nice and told us he'd keep the package safe until we returned with identification.
The irony of this situation to me was that he wanted to know my identity, yet I had no way of knowing his. This started me thinking about my true identity. It seems I am rediscovering myself here in Hong Kong. God is clearly revealing to me exactly who I am - who He designed me to be. And He's having me start with the Karen Godsey in grade school. I can remember always being an upbeat, optimistic person. It was easy for me to be happy & in a good mood. As I got older I believe I lost part of myself; part of that happiness. I'm sure many of us have. Life is like that. We grow older and more cynical about the ways of man. Just try waiting in the shortest line at the grocery store and let it become the longest wait..see where your mood takes you. I know where mine used to go.
And that's the beauty of it - the reality of the "used to's." I've decided to be happy. To put the 'old pessimistic me' to bed for good. And remain optimistic no matter what my circumstance. Why? Because I have a friend who has taken my old identity and given me a new one. I am a new creation - therefore, I've a new identity. And that's something to be very joyous about.
My true identity is in my Savior - the resurrected Christ.
No I.D. required.
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