What Can I Give?

If there was no gift giving during Christmas that would be okay with me. That's probably why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, it's all about the family and being thankful for our abundant blessings. Often during Christmas I fall into the trap of focusing on gift giving and put celebrating Jesus aside. This Christmas, more than others, I struggled to find "the perfect" gift for my parents and was left completely stumped and frustrated. Then I realized something, the "perfect gift" is Jesus, who was sent into this world on our behalf 2,000 years ago. He is the only perfect gift we should be celebrating. I really want this Christmas to be different. I want for everyone to focus on His presence not our presents. This poem is what I came up with, I am giving it to my parents this morning on Christmas.

What Can I Give

What can I give the one who gave me the world?
All I’ve ever asked for since I was a girl.
What can I give the one who gave me life?
Who comforted me through struggles, sickness, and strife.
What can I give the one who held me and watched me grow?
From my childhood til now, and then let me go.
What can I give the one who asked for nothing back?
How can I find a gift? Is there anything you lack?
What can I give the one whom materials would be nice?
But the right gift I can not find. A present will not suffice.
What can I give the one who sacrificed for me?
Indebted to you I am and will forever be.
What can I give the one whom I love more than all others?
A love even deeper than sisters and brothers
What can I give the one who deserves a present from my heart?
A gift that shows how much I love you; this poem is a start.

So now, I give my love, the greatest of these.
All I want is for you to feel pleased.
I give my appreciation, for your miracles on earth,
That you may know your inexpressible worth.

Rosebud Heart

Okay, so I dont normally do this, but I am posting one of the poems I wrote for my creative writing class this semester. I used to write poetry all the time when I was younger and thought I would bring it back.

Let me know what you think!

Rosebud Heart

It is Fall, your petals fall like feathers to the ground

Slowly, down, down, down

Once beautiful, bright, and blooming in full,

Begin to change shades, dying daily, looking dull

Once kept alive by the one who pruned you,

Being alone is not what you are used to

So lively before, but now you seem changed

Something is different about you, rearranged.

I see your suffering, lacking tender touch

Such a beautiful thing now ruined and crushed.

Your thorns cut deep, keeping people away,

Yet your soft petals dry out more each day.

 It is Winter, the air feels cold and dim

Damaged and alone you rest, looking grim

Hurt left you helpless, withered and closed

The deepest, dark pieces of your heart exposed

I know you will soon bloom again

But wait patiently for you to mend

With the changing season and new year

Soon a bud promises to appear

Do not lose faith my fragile friend

Your time will come. This is not the end.

It is Spring, and your condition improves,

In the air, your gentle petals move.

This timely season gives you a fresh start,

The regeneration of a new heart.

Your petals grow bigger, beginning to swell,

A sign you moved on, you recovered well.

It is a slow process, coping with pain

 Let your thirst be quenched by the rain

It is summer, you are alone no longer

This cycle of life only made you stronger

The sun shines brightly, reflecting off you,

A new creation that soaks up the dew

You bloom fully again, leaving behind the past

Fulfilling your purpose in the world at last

So intricately designed to bring beauty to those

Who appreciate you for being a rose

Your delicate nature caused you to fall apart

But you blossomed again, just like my heart.

The Science of Hugging

Hugs. First, let's talk about hugs in general. Whether you know it or not, giving a hug  is communicating a message. A hug is the most basic form of physical contact, yet is crucial in defining your relationship with another person. Hugs send a variety of messages from "Hey friend" (side hug) to "So good to see you! Its been forever!" (running head start hug). Most of the time hugs show affection and make a person feel warm and fuzzy inside. Then again, there are always those few..the awkward hugs....

Who hasnt ever had an awkward hug? Exactly! No one...

This is what my friend Beth Moore and I came up with when discussing hugs.

How to avoid awkward hugs:

1) Assess the situation.
2) A hug is a two way street, so determine which one of you is the most confident, the hug initiator.
3) Once you've determined who is passive and who is the go getter, allow the more confident person to take the reigns and initiate the hug.
4) If you are the initiator, decide what message are you trying to give off. (Friendly sidehug, Bestfriend bearhug, Extended Tight Squeeze, etc) What are you trying to communicate with them and vice versa. Is it a causal hello, friendship, deep love and affection?
5) Whether you lead or not, make a decision and stick to it. Whatever you do, dont change your mind! If you are going in for a sidehug, stick to it. When done correctly the other person will most likely follow through and feel comfortable.
6)After this first hug, the rest should effortlessly flow because you have established your relationship. Now you have a signature hug with that person.

Lastly, dont overanalyze or overthink this. It should be natural.

Hope this helps for all of you who needed clarity on this important subject matter.

Thought this was appropriate on National Hug an RA day!