Daily Archives: December 13, 2011

Twin Adventures- Swinging at Grammy’s house

Today we went to my mom and dad’s house for our weekly visit. The sun was shining and temperatures were in the low 40’s. The grass is still green and the trees don’t look as cold and barren as they usually would in December. Either way, the twins wanted to go outside to play. Upon conquering the granite front steps they inevitably head to the swings. Today was no different. Theodore was the first to swing today as Jacqueline will challenge him for the seat but withdraws quickly as she really doesn’t care much about swinging. Or at least she cares much less than Theodore does. He loves to swing. The higher the lift and the faster the pace, the happier he is. Typical boy, right? He will gladly sit in the swing and swing for several minutes until his seat comes to a complete stop. I was pushing Theodore and we were having a great time as he flew higher and higher. Meanwhile miss Jacqueline was off exploring the wild frontier known as Grammy’s yard. Emma, Jacqueline’s 4 year old cousin, was also parading around the yard, mostly as an authority figure. Although both of these young ladies would come across as ‘in charge’ while around each other.

Theodore finally gave up his spot on the swing and took off for the greener grass of riding a toy tractor down the driveway. Now it was Jacqueline’s turn on the swing. Usually this doesn’t last too long as it’s more of a public appearance to her than an actual desire to swing. Today was a little different though. I gave her some pushes and she enjoyed the speed and height more than normal. I got my head in close to her and retreated as she and the swing neared. She loved this and giggled openly. Then she told me some things in a language I am on the verge of understanding. I am pretty sure she was critiquing my pushing ability as well as telling me about the yard, the trees, the atmospheric pressure, the U.S. Space Program, how many times Chris Paul has been traded this off-season, the extended forecast, and her favorite moments over her first 19 months. Then a couple more giggles, a smile or two, and the word “down”. This was followed by her pointing towards Grammy and Theodore who were setting land speed records on the driveway. If you haven’t seen her point her index finger let me describe it for you. The point starts with a lightning quick motion from her hip to the full extension of pointing. This would be similar to the speed and conviction of an old western gun fighter. Short of the moustache and saying “I’ll be your huckleberry”, you’d think the draw of her pointer finger was equal to the likes of Doc Holliday. Sometimes she will really hold the point position to make sure her intentions are fully and undeniably known. When she holds the point position, she tenses her entire body with a hint of a knee bend, her pointing hand is firm and leaves a lasting impression. So, naturally, I stopped the swing and got her down before any scolding took place. Once on the grass she gently reached for my finger as to walk her across the yard. Somehow I think she appreciated my sense of urgency to get her down from that swing. Just a few minutes later it was time to leave so the twins could get their naps at home. Thus today’s adventure of the twins swinging at Grammy’s house came to a close.

Jacqueline Sophia Beal on Grammy's swing December 2011

Jacqueline enjoys her time to swing today

Theodore Jamison Beal on Grammy's swing December 2011

Theodore is grateful that December is mild enough to swing, even if it's a little chilly

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Sunday Series – Christmas Edition – Away in a Manger

Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head
 

Maybe you have a baby, or maybe someone else’s baby is the one, isn’t there or wasn’t there a baby you have been around that was just the cutest thing you ever saw. You looked upon this baby and thought what a sweet little baby. Look at those little toes and fingers. Look at that tiny nose and so on it goes. Imagine one night a little baby that fits any of the descriptions above, and more, is born. But this baby wasn’t born in a hospital with a team of doctor’s and nurses waiting to help. This baby was our Lord Jesus, and his parents had no place to stay the night He was born. But He did have a place to rest His sweet head. I can imagine mom and dad glowing over their new-born Son.

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
 

The night sky was the backdrop for this first Christmas. The stars were shining. I am sure that without much light in this little town the sky would have looked like it was just inches from your face as you stared into the depth of the night sky. A sleeping baby, one of the most precious sights I could ever see, and there He was asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes
 

The baby Jesus is in a manger, where animals normally feed. The cattle are present. They witness the most memorable birth in history. The cattle, they wake the baby Jesus. Somehow, perhaps, He senses His own place in all this as He wakes, and does not cry.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
‘Til morning is nigh.
 

As I sit here and write these words my mind wanders. My mind remembers all those friends and family members who are looking down from the sky. They are with my Lord Jesus, they are at His side. Somehow, throughout my life He has been at my side when I needed Him. In the dark of night, or in the dark of our lives, please Lord, stay by my side. Stay at least until I see the sun or until I can lean on my own, and not on your Son.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
 

Lord, I ask you into my heart to stay. Stay with me always. I will be the person your will would have me be. Love me as I know you can.

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there
 

The dear children. So fitting. Children are dear. Truth be told we can all be God’s children. It’s our free will to choose, to make that conscious decision. One day our Lord, who spent His first hours in a manger will take us Home to live with Him there.

Away in a manger. Meaning: In a different place, possibly far from a place one normally would be, in a trough where animals feed. Talk about an inauspicious start to life. That’s how God planned it. That’s how man arranged it. This Christmas listen to this song, take in the words, and know the reason we celebrate Christmas. Oh, and remember, a holiday was not born that morning, nor was anyone named, X. It was Christ, our Lord, that was born that morning. Merry Christmas.