Frosty...A Friend Indeed!

Remember when Frosty was brought to life by a magic top hat on Christmas Day? From the first time I watched Frosty the Snowman, I think I understood some of the most distinct elements of friendship. Frosty loved Karen with a pure, sacrificial love. Even in the earliest moments of their relationship, Frosty watched out for Karen's well-being because he loved her. He made many choices that elevated Karen above self.

Frosty brought laughter and fun into Karen's life from the very moment he took his first breath. Whether they were marching down the streets of town, outsmarting an unthoughtful magician, or attempting to communicate with a crazy rabbit, Karen's heart was warmed by Frosty's endearging personality!

Frosty promised to return each Christmas to visit and play with Karen. Frosty's promise echoes God's promise to each of us. He promises to always be with us--living in our hearts. Frosty promised to always be there--living in Karen's heart. How loving warm promises are!

I am enjoying this must see classic today with my students. It is my effort to bring a little bit of magic and love to their life. Don't let the season pass without filling up a cup of cocoa, stoking the fire, and popping your most beloved holiday classic in. After all, we never truly grow up, do we?

A Few of My Favorite Things...

I absolutely love The Sound of Music. My favorite part is when Julie Andrews sings "Favorite Things." It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This morning, I thought to myself, "Why not consider a few of my favorite things?" Here a few of my favorite things and I hope after you read, you will share your list of favorites!

* Wet kisses on my cheek from my neices and nephews
* Naked trees in the dead of winter
* Thick frost on windows
* Burning wood in a stove
* New fallen snow
* A midnight sky painted with stars
* The first taste of watermelon in the summer
* Old, familiar friendship
* Love
* Weeping Willow trees
* Hot chocolate with whipped cream
* Warm chocolate chip cookies

Please share your favorite things and bring a bright spot to the holiday season!

Is It Wrong to Question God?

When I was 12 years old, my favorite grandfather passed away.

As I sat beside my youth leader, I asked, "Why did he have to die?" She replied, "God was ready for him to be in heaven." That was a good answer and it made sense. At least it was as good as any answer that an adult could have given me. I was scared that God might want me in heaven sometime soon.

I was in elementary school when my aunt and uncle decided to get a divorce. As I sat beside my aunt, I asked, "Why did Uncle Dennis leave?" She said, "He doesn't love me anymore." I wondered if he had stopped loving me, too.

I was in middle school when I first understood about child abuse. My mom was on jury duty and the person on trial was being accused of abusing their child. As I sat beside my mother, I asked, "Why did that mom hit her child?" She replied, "She is full of anger and cannot control herself." I was glad she wasn't my mother.

I was in college when I heard about a girl being raped. I was naive, but I figured out what it meant. As I sat beside my sister, I asked, "Why would a man do that to a woman?" She replied, "They think they need to control other people and women are easy targets." I understood that I was a target, too.

I'm a 38 year old teacher now. About a month ago, one of my students lost his dearest uncle--his hero. As I have tried to minister to him over the last few weeks, I realize that I don't have very many answers. And the ones that I provide are weak at best. He looks at me with those doubtful eyes and I know he realizes that I absolutely have no clue as to what the right answers really are. But, he accepts them and finds some degree of comfort. My question is: Is it wrong for me to feel terribly angry about having to answer these questions to begin with? Not angry at the student, but at the situation. Why would a seemingly healthy 26 year old farmer die in his sleep? And, I believe my student considers whether he might die when he's 26 years old.

I am what they call in the eduation field an "existentialist." I fight to know the answer to all of life's burning questions. I have shared some of the burning questions of my life. To this day, I still have all of the questions that significant people in my life attempted to answer. But, the question mark lurks in the corner of my mind. So, I'm not so settled on these issues, I suppose.

What do you think? Is it wrong to question to God? Is it a big, fat sin for me to question death, abuse, rape, and divorce? I know....another question from an inquiring mind.