A Quiet Wood

A Quiet Wood

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Yes, Mother. ;-)

"Sonja," she said. "You should write another blog," she said. So, here I sit. Even at thirty ____ years of age, one should still listen to one's mother. (To all of you mother's out there, you're welcome. Feel free to point your children to this site. You know, if it's on the internet, it has to be true.)

Well, they came, and they left. The Christmas festivities, that is. Can't say as much for those Christmas cookies, candies, pieces of fudge, handfulls of snack mix, cheeseball and crackers, etc. Those seem to still be around. They've simply shifted forms. Oh well, let the disciplined life resume. I must say, it is lovely from time to time to just stop worrying about what one puts in one's mouth. But, like everything else in life, it has its consequences. And I've also found out that I really wouldn't want to live that way. Seems that God knew what He was doing when He called us to bring our physical appetites into subjection. Hmmmm. Go figure.

Our family really did have a very nice Christmas. We kicked off the festivities on Friday evening with our annual Soup and Carols night. I believe there were nine different kinds of soup. (I sampled at least 4 or 5. Small bowls, of course.) After feasting, we all gathered in the living room to sing our favorite Christmas songs. It's always a really special time with friends.
















Like I said, a good time was had by all.

Our own Christmas seemed especially nice this year. So many happy things: being together, the joy of giving, the blessing of receiving, the awareness of the Greatest Gift, taking nothing for granted. Aaaaahhhhh.

Brent received a cello. Long story, and not quite as random as it may seem. Anyway, he believes that he will have it mastered shortly.


I'm not so sure.



Anyway, I pray that your holidays were special times marked by the presence of our Savior. I would like to go on here, but I feel quite sure that it has all been said already a thousand times by people much more qualified. I will simply say this. As I read Luke 1 this morning, the thing that struck me forcibly was the fact that several key people were READY for God to use them. I saw no kicking and screaming, no running about to tie up loose ends, no sweeping things under the rug. I saw people that were living lives that pleased God every day, so that when God needed them they were ready. Simple as that. I pray that I will live a life marked not by holiday experiences - in which I remember God at all the high points and celebrations - but by daily service, pleasing Him in the mundane. One day He may need me for something (though often I find He has used me quietly, almost without my knowledge), and I want to be ready.

24 comments:

trakylynn said...

Glad to hear you had a good Christmas... I was in NJ for Christmas and just got back last night. I am thankful for the reason for the season and thankful to be home... Miss ya

Kimberly said...

Glad you had a good Christmas!

P.S. I can fill in the age blank if anyone really cares to know! lol

Anonymous said...
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Marty said...

Sonja,

Great to hear from you! I do love it that we are family! You are truly blessed..I mean I am truly blessed! Ha! I'm so not surprised that Brent has taken up yet another musical talent...and I am sure that he will amaze us still! Love ya!
Marty

Cindy said...

I'm so glad your mamma pestered you into blogging! Good job...all the pics made me want to come back to Florida! Think I would prefer warmer weather though, such as when the pool is ready for use :)
So glad you had a great Christmas! We did too. 29 folks at my house, and the last ones didn't leave until 2:30 am! Girl, you've never seen anybody play games like we can play games :) I'm happy to report that I spent some quality time on the winning side...not that I would ever boast(cough.) Oh, and I love the pics of you and Brent. They made my heart happy! You tell him that if he works really hard, maybe he can catch up with me on the flute...haha! Maybe we should try a duet on our 2nd instruments ;) I'm not sure that I could play with someone who cleans his nose with his bow, however. Besides, I'm thinking of switching to sax...fickle, fickle.
Okay, gotta go. You really should call me and let me know what you meant by that comment on my blog. Curiosity killed the cat, ya know!

Love ya...and BE GOOD!!!!

Cindy said...

Forgot to say that your remarks about discipline and dietary self-control hit home. The array of lovely things to eat has been truly alarming, and my lack of self-control appalling. So December 26th, my diet got a facelift, and was renewed with vim and vigor! Who could stand to wait until Jan. 1st?!? Not me!
Also, I really appreciated your comments about Luke 1! So very true...love that part of HIStory!

I do apologize for writing a book on your blog. I just really want to see you SOON!

kayla said...

I will refer my boys to your blog or maybe you preach them a sermon for me while you're here.
I think Brent and Harold should come up with a cello duet to match the piano duet they used to play.

Kimberly said...

Also glad that God uses ordinary (even imperfect) people in all kinds of ways...

Merry Christmas...it's almost over! Looks like you've had fun! Yay for cellos!

Kim M. said...

Your mother is right!
Loved reading your updates and seeing and reading about all of your family get-togethers!

jenny said...

Just wanted to add you are definitely not old enough to need a blank behind the thirty...we are young (even when we don't feel it)!! Really good thoughts about being ready to serve daily.

Martha C said...

Love, love the humor!

Susanna said...

Sonja,
Just found your blog--greatly enjoyed it!! I am at work (in the ER) and am enjoying various blogs. (I don't have time to read them at home--go figure!!!)
Happy New Year!

TheMan said...

Wow, it's been a long time, Sonja! I have started lurking around the blogoshphere these days. I found you on Charity's blog. I plan to go check out Brent's web page. That's cool! Feel free to read my blog. I've just started it, but it will give you an update on what I'm doing these days. Right now, I'm struggling with jealousy toward Brent...I WANT a 'cello, too!!! :) Please tell your family "hello" from me!

Wesley Thomas

Judith Atnip said...

I can't find your email address, so I will just post here.
I got to visit with Kay and Steve when they came to our town recently. I only got to talk to them for a tiny bit, but at least I got to see them.
I think I told you that Kay is my sister in law's sister.
I had not met Steve until then, but he was nice too.
What an interesting situation: I move across the country and then get to see them in my own little town!

Julia said...

SJV;

So glad you had a Merry Christmas. Aren't you glad your parents bought the guilt-cello AFTER you moved out? Who wants to be around while ones little brother "masters" another instrument. Bless you my friend.

ps. It is always good to obey ones mother. I too will be posting soon, before the call comes in. :)

Tara said...

Aw...I remember those fun Soup and Carol nights. Would love to have been there again! Great pics...especially the one of Brent finding innovative uses for his new bow.
Happy New Year, my friend. Love ya bunches.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to all of you! So good to hear from some "old friends".

Wesley, what a blast from the past!! So great to hear from you. I'll be checking on you via your blog. :)

Tim, it has been way too long my friend! Hope all is well.

To the rest of you, I count myself blessed to have you in my circle of friends - on the web, but especially in the "real" world! God's best to you all.

cheriepasbjerg said...

Sonja,
You two are just as goofy as I remember. Sorry I haven't looked at your blog in awhile--been a little busy! You are so special and I love your sense of humor. Too funny! Much love and kisses from here happy new year!

CHolden said...

Sonja,

Always a pleasure and a blessing reading your blog. Keep up the good work!

Andy said...

Love the pic of you and your brother . . . or should I say "pick?"

Allana Martian said...

It was nice chatting with you the other night! You and your brother's posts make me laugh. (Don't worry, I mean that in a good way. Really!)

Jean Miller said...

Jean Miller says: I remember sitting in that office when I was a student talking to your Mom in the late sixties. Would love to get in touch with her. Does she have an E-mail address?

Tara said...

Just re-read your first paragraph: "if it's on the internet it must be true." HA! You are funny funny girl.

You really need to get back to blogging. I'm missin' it. Perhaps the title of your next blog could be "Yes, Tara." Has a nice ring, nu?

sarahmfry said...

I don't think I can just stand here and watch while a good cello bow is treated in such a way! Now my goofy 3-year old wants to see the picture! What should I tell her?

"He's a very BAD boy! He shouldn't treat his instrument that way!" (May not deter her from trying the same trick.)