I guess really we should teach the world. Because as the years pass, the true meaning of Christmas, the truth behind Christmas and why we celebrate, gets lost and pushed aside. I found this great story online. Although it's not the Bible version of the Christmas story, it is a great reminder of what Christmas is and why we celebrate. And it gives us new things to look for in our traditional Christmas decorations and celebrations. But remember, CHRIST is the reason we celebrate.
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This is how it happened...I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree.
He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. "What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.
He then answered me with a simple statement. "TEACH THE CHILDREN!"
I was puzzled; what did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."
Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."
He then pulled from his bag an ornament of himself. "Teach the children that I, St. Nick, ( Santa Claus ) symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."
He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him."
Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON..." "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
"Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy BABE and presented HIM with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men."
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return."
Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship HIM, our LORD, our GOD."
The Nold Family 4!
December 17, 2008
November 24, 2008
20+ Years in the Making
June 12, 1988 - Tim graduated from North Kitsap High School, Tammy went into labor.
June 13, 1988 - Tammy gave birth to a beautiful, healthy little girl they named Aimee Marie Sloan.
June 15, 1988 - Tim and Tammy said goodbye to their little girl. Together they made the difficult decision and opted for a better life for their little girl. They knew that, at their young ages, they could not offer this baby girl the life she deserved.
June 16, 1988 - Aimee was adopted by a wonderful, loving husband and wife, hand picked by Tim and Tammy, and given the name Nicole Star Asimakoupoulos.
Tim and Tammy never stopped thinking of, praying for and loving Nicole. They thought of her often, wrote letters and cards throughout the years, and thought of the day, someday, maybe, that they may be able to meet again. Tim and Tammy went their separate ways, each married and had two children, each had a boy and a girl, with their spouse. Throughout the years, Tim and Tammy remained very close friends and talked often, but always on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Nicole's birthday and holidays.
October 2008 - Tim and Tammy received a letter and some photos from Nicole. The day they had always hoped for, when Nicole wanted to know Tim and Tammy and meet them, had come. Communication soon followed with emails, phone calls, night's spent IM'ing and days spent texting. All parties involved wasted no time getting to know one another and filling in the blanks the past 20 years had left. Tim said it felt natural, like they had never been apart, like they have always known each other and been together. God had his hand in every life involved, from the moment He knew He would create that special, loved little baby girl.
November 23, 2008 - Tammy and her family, Tim and our family made the trip to Ellensburg to finally meet Nicole, in person. It was a wonderful day! Nicole is beautiful, smart, laid back, easy to talk with, easy to love. She is awesome with the kids, and they all seemed to take to her quickly...especially Emma. It all felt so comfortable and so natural. Only God knows how the future will play out, but I can say that we are so happy. Nicole always has been and is welcome to always be a part of our family. God has and continues to bless us all. ***scroll down towards the bottom of the page to view the slideshow of pictures from this meeting, "Meeting Nicole 11-23-2008"
June 13, 1988 - Tammy gave birth to a beautiful, healthy little girl they named Aimee Marie Sloan.
June 15, 1988 - Tim and Tammy said goodbye to their little girl. Together they made the difficult decision and opted for a better life for their little girl. They knew that, at their young ages, they could not offer this baby girl the life she deserved.
June 16, 1988 - Aimee was adopted by a wonderful, loving husband and wife, hand picked by Tim and Tammy, and given the name Nicole Star Asimakoupoulos.
Tim and Tammy never stopped thinking of, praying for and loving Nicole. They thought of her often, wrote letters and cards throughout the years, and thought of the day, someday, maybe, that they may be able to meet again. Tim and Tammy went their separate ways, each married and had two children, each had a boy and a girl, with their spouse. Throughout the years, Tim and Tammy remained very close friends and talked often, but always on Mother's Day, Father's Day, Nicole's birthday and holidays.
October 2008 - Tim and Tammy received a letter and some photos from Nicole. The day they had always hoped for, when Nicole wanted to know Tim and Tammy and meet them, had come. Communication soon followed with emails, phone calls, night's spent IM'ing and days spent texting. All parties involved wasted no time getting to know one another and filling in the blanks the past 20 years had left. Tim said it felt natural, like they had never been apart, like they have always known each other and been together. God had his hand in every life involved, from the moment He knew He would create that special, loved little baby girl.
November 23, 2008 - Tammy and her family, Tim and our family made the trip to Ellensburg to finally meet Nicole, in person. It was a wonderful day! Nicole is beautiful, smart, laid back, easy to talk with, easy to love. She is awesome with the kids, and they all seemed to take to her quickly...especially Emma. It all felt so comfortable and so natural. Only God knows how the future will play out, but I can say that we are so happy. Nicole always has been and is welcome to always be a part of our family. God has and continues to bless us all. ***scroll down towards the bottom of the page to view the slideshow of pictures from this meeting, "Meeting Nicole 11-23-2008"
October 14, 2008
My Husband the Captain
Just had to honor my husband for just a minute. He is a hard working man who loves his family as much as any man ever could, he works hard and provides a beautiful life for us. He always does everything with the best intentions, with our needs, wants and desires in mind, and works to improve the quality of our already very blessed life. He is loving and kind, giving and generous, he puts his family before himself (except during hunting season, when I'm supposed to cut him some slack), he is selfless, funloving, an incredible daddy and a loving, wonderful husband. He loves God and works daily to rely on Him and His purpose for our lives. We all know that's a very hard one to do! I am proud to have Tim in my life and feel blessed to share my life and children with him, forever.
Until the next opportunity rolls around, Tim will be pretending to work hard (as he always does, you know the life of the fire service) as a Captain and his family is very proud of him! Thanks Tim, for all you are and all you do.
Now take a look at the fun photos we took at Flaming Geyser State Park last weekend. We had fun and got to play around in the leaves. Don't the kids look great?
Until the next opportunity rolls around, Tim will be pretending to work hard (as he always does, you know the life of the fire service) as a Captain and his family is very proud of him! Thanks Tim, for all you are and all you do.
Now take a look at the fun photos we took at Flaming Geyser State Park last weekend. We had fun and got to play around in the leaves. Don't the kids look great?
October 10, 2008
It's Been a While
The last few months have flown by but have been full of many different things. Let me take a few steps backwards and fill you in.
August started with the continued stay of our Japanese exchange student, Yurika. We had a wonderful, busy, fun filled time while she and the other 19 students were visiting. They all arrived on July 22 and stayed through August 11. The first couple days were rough. Tim was working a 3 day and communicating with a foreign exchange student with minimal speaking English was difficult. It got easier and by week two things were really moving along. Yurika and I became very close and Emma loved having a new 'friend' to 'play with'. And boy, did she ever take advantage of the play time with Yurika! There were times I felt bad for taking advantage of my quiet time. Yurika went to class nearly every day and had fun afternoons visiting the local areas and famous Pacific NW attractions. Our family joined the students on their trip to Snoqualmie Falls, Chuck E Cheese, Boehm's Chocolate Factory and a few others. It was great and we are sooooo loocking forward to welcoming another student this coming summer.
Yurika was set to leave on August 11 and return to Japan. Tim had to leave for Denver on August 10. He was honored to be invited by his chief (out ouf many other possible people) to attend the 2008 IAFC Conference in Denver, CO for a week. This was a great opportunity to meet some of the chief's and spend some time talking with the head chief of his department. For those of you that don't know, Tim is going for a promotion to Battalion Chief this month and has been working very hard to achieve that position. After Yurika left, I had some time on my own with the kiddos before heading off to join Tim in CO. I was really looking forward to a little adult time with Tim and the oppoetunity to really dress up for the formal awards dinner night. I even got a beautiful black dress to wear (see the photos to the right). The weather HAD been beautiful prior to my arrival, but I guess Seattle decided to join me and we spent the remainder of the weekend in pouring down rain!
After we got back from CO, the rest of August was pretty low key. And we headed into September, school season (stay tuned) and fall (which arrived right on time according to the calendar). We really enjoyed our summer together, had a great time with the kiddos, watching Jacob grow, celebrating Emma's 3rd birthday with an awesome party and lots of friends, a few days at the park, camping with friends and introducing Yurika to the windy E. WA weather, and lots of nights BBQing our dinner! So, my end to summer is the beginning of September. I always feel that summer ends when school begins, although the calendar may say otherwise. Emma, our baby grown into a big girl but always my baby, started preschool this September. Wow! I can't believe she is already in preschool. It's so much fun seeing her learn and come home every day with a new song she learned and a new art project to put on the fridge. Yes, I'm that mom that has to display my kiddos school work on the fridge. I'm proud of her, and amazed, what can I say?!
October has just begun and we're in full swing. I started sewing this fall and have a table runner and skirt for Emma in the works. I also bought two stockings to make for the kiddos. I didn't realize how much work those were going to take, so Emma's is going to have to wait until next year! I'm already planning the holidays and can't wait for cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating and all that comes with the holiday season. We have been so blessed with our life and God is so good. I thank Him every day for our blessings and always remember the littls things. It's so easy to take things for granted. I know He will continue to provide for and bless us and we will continue to rely on Him, serve and honor Him. Our family wishes you all well and, though 24 hours goes by so quickly, hours turn into days turn into months, we think of you all, miss you and love you.
August started with the continued stay of our Japanese exchange student, Yurika. We had a wonderful, busy, fun filled time while she and the other 19 students were visiting. They all arrived on July 22 and stayed through August 11. The first couple days were rough. Tim was working a 3 day and communicating with a foreign exchange student with minimal speaking English was difficult. It got easier and by week two things were really moving along. Yurika and I became very close and Emma loved having a new 'friend' to 'play with'. And boy, did she ever take advantage of the play time with Yurika! There were times I felt bad for taking advantage of my quiet time. Yurika went to class nearly every day and had fun afternoons visiting the local areas and famous Pacific NW attractions. Our family joined the students on their trip to Snoqualmie Falls, Chuck E Cheese, Boehm's Chocolate Factory and a few others. It was great and we are sooooo loocking forward to welcoming another student this coming summer.
Yurika was set to leave on August 11 and return to Japan. Tim had to leave for Denver on August 10. He was honored to be invited by his chief (out ouf many other possible people) to attend the 2008 IAFC Conference in Denver, CO for a week. This was a great opportunity to meet some of the chief's and spend some time talking with the head chief of his department. For those of you that don't know, Tim is going for a promotion to Battalion Chief this month and has been working very hard to achieve that position. After Yurika left, I had some time on my own with the kiddos before heading off to join Tim in CO. I was really looking forward to a little adult time with Tim and the oppoetunity to really dress up for the formal awards dinner night. I even got a beautiful black dress to wear (see the photos to the right). The weather HAD been beautiful prior to my arrival, but I guess Seattle decided to join me and we spent the remainder of the weekend in pouring down rain!
After we got back from CO, the rest of August was pretty low key. And we headed into September, school season (stay tuned) and fall (which arrived right on time according to the calendar). We really enjoyed our summer together, had a great time with the kiddos, watching Jacob grow, celebrating Emma's 3rd birthday with an awesome party and lots of friends, a few days at the park, camping with friends and introducing Yurika to the windy E. WA weather, and lots of nights BBQing our dinner! So, my end to summer is the beginning of September. I always feel that summer ends when school begins, although the calendar may say otherwise. Emma, our baby grown into a big girl but always my baby, started preschool this September. Wow! I can't believe she is already in preschool. It's so much fun seeing her learn and come home every day with a new song she learned and a new art project to put on the fridge. Yes, I'm that mom that has to display my kiddos school work on the fridge. I'm proud of her, and amazed, what can I say?!
October has just begun and we're in full swing. I started sewing this fall and have a table runner and skirt for Emma in the works. I also bought two stockings to make for the kiddos. I didn't realize how much work those were going to take, so Emma's is going to have to wait until next year! I'm already planning the holidays and can't wait for cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating and all that comes with the holiday season. We have been so blessed with our life and God is so good. I thank Him every day for our blessings and always remember the littls things. It's so easy to take things for granted. I know He will continue to provide for and bless us and we will continue to rely on Him, serve and honor Him. Our family wishes you all well and, though 24 hours goes by so quickly, hours turn into days turn into months, we think of you all, miss you and love you.
September 16, 2008
Thankfulness
I've come upon some blog by families of children with Trisomy 18. I didn't know much about this disorder (and I'm probably even wrong in calling it a disorder) and I still don't know much about it. I just know that each time I read a blog and see the precious face of another baby with Trisomy 18 I am thankful. I am thankful for my two healthy children and for not having to face the trials and adversity, grief and sorrow that a family of a Trisomy 18 child does. Be thankful for your healthy children, every day, every minute. And do not forget how precious they are!
September 2, 2008
Every time I blink my eyes
I got a text from my mom this evening.
"I have been very blessed to see her every few days for all her 3 years and I am still not sure when she got so big."
"It happens every time I blink my eyes," I responded.
It's true. Every time I blink my eyes, it's only for a second. But when I open my eyes she's bigger, taller, smarter, wiser, more beautiful and grown up than before I closed my eyes.
"I have been very blessed to see her every few days for all her 3 years and I am still not sure when she got so big."
"It happens every time I blink my eyes," I responded.
It's true. Every time I blink my eyes, it's only for a second. But when I open my eyes she's bigger, taller, smarter, wiser, more beautiful and grown up than before I closed my eyes.
August 31, 2008
A thought came to me today...
What is scarrier than thinking that I might die, while my children are young, and leave them without their mother? That I would not be with them during the most important years of their lives. That I would not be here to see them off to school on their first day of kindergarten, or to see them play in their first baseball or soccer game. That I would not be here when they learn to drive or start dating. That I would not get to see them off to college or meet the love of their life. That I would not be here to hold my grandchildren and what them grow.
What is scarrier than thinking that I could lose one of my children? That one could die long before a parent thinks it's their time. That I could be left with an emptiness in my arms and a hole in my heart. That instead of a beautiful face to look at, tender hands to hold, warm cheeks to kiss...I may be left with a photo to look at and memories I cling to like my last breath of life.
This thought came to me today and it's scarrier than anything I've mentioned above. The scarriest thing to me, as a mother, is that my child or my children will not find their salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. That my children's soul may be lost and their lives on a path to everlasting death instead of the everlasting life that Jesus Christ died to give us. That I might watch my children struggle with life while the answer, the salvation, the comfort and peace, the strength and direction we need is waiting right at their feet only needing to be accepted. This is the scarriest thing for me to contemplate as a mother.
But as a Christian, I know that fear and anxiety is not of the Lord. I have a 'big gun' to clear my pathway for this battle that lies ahead. That is prayer. My faith lies in God that my children will find their salvation and no matter when we meet the end of our life on this earth, I will never leave my children. For in Christ Jesus, we will spend eternity together.
What is scarrier than thinking that I could lose one of my children? That one could die long before a parent thinks it's their time. That I could be left with an emptiness in my arms and a hole in my heart. That instead of a beautiful face to look at, tender hands to hold, warm cheeks to kiss...I may be left with a photo to look at and memories I cling to like my last breath of life.
This thought came to me today and it's scarrier than anything I've mentioned above. The scarriest thing to me, as a mother, is that my child or my children will not find their salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. That my children's soul may be lost and their lives on a path to everlasting death instead of the everlasting life that Jesus Christ died to give us. That I might watch my children struggle with life while the answer, the salvation, the comfort and peace, the strength and direction we need is waiting right at their feet only needing to be accepted. This is the scarriest thing for me to contemplate as a mother.
But as a Christian, I know that fear and anxiety is not of the Lord. I have a 'big gun' to clear my pathway for this battle that lies ahead. That is prayer. My faith lies in God that my children will find their salvation and no matter when we meet the end of our life on this earth, I will never leave my children. For in Christ Jesus, we will spend eternity together.
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