Light Up the Night!!!!!!

The Hawk House

Hello, outrageous hospitality! A couple of years ago we were welcomed into the home of the Mish family one chilly December night. This happened as we were standing at the curb be-dazzled by the amazing light show on and around their home. We gladly went in to visit and chitchat. How often does a kind person invite you – a stranger! - inside their home, anyway?

Gwen and Anthony Mish on a recent visit

This year, we learned that we are just a few of the 100,000 visitors they expect to see their expression for the love of the holidays and their favorite sports teams. They go all out with 175,000 lights in their front yard and on the house – all dancing to music! Their lights show the Seahawks Logo; a big “12” for the 12^th Man; the Seattle Mariners, Supersonics (RIP), and Huskies logos (Cougars and Sounders logos are in the works); and Santa on his Sleigh, among others. 

Anthony and Steve Mish, the masterminds, are brilliant designers, engineers, community builders, and friendly and welcoming people with generous hearts. They have created a light show where the lights themselves dance. The lights get down to groovy songs like VellVett’s, ‘We Run This City.’ They welcome you to swing on by between 5 and 9 (5-10 Fri./Sat.) almost any night to experience their hospitality! Here is what you will find:

The garage door is open and there is a children’s tunnel that leads to a secret fish tank inside. Shh – it’s a surprise! There’s a whole village scene with trains, buildings and “snow.” From there, you can go inside the house, where the charming Victorian country village of snow with a real river continues. Be sure to look for the Nutcracker display, including the Seahawks Nutcracker! To top it off they even have a Seahawks Santa to greet the kids – you can get your picture taken, if you’d like. You can also just hang out on the street and see the lights - though there's no charge for any of it, so go on in! Donations are taken for great causes, such as HopeLink, Children’s Hospital, Toys for Tots, and local food pantries. Feel free to come with a donation (not required). Tis the season of sharing, right?

The word is out on their hospitality and light show. The Mish’s love for lighting up the night has been picked up by ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight. This is a “reality tv” show that highlights great Christmas lights throughout the US. They will be featured this house on December 21^st at 8pm. Let’s watch and learn more about the hearts behind this huge nightlight of hospitality. Also, check out thehawkhouse.com to get directions and learn more… Hope you enjoy your next visit to TheHawkHouse!

The Silent Dreams of Christmas

Me Taking Part in Nutcracker Silliness

I must admit that I am horribly sentimental in my approach to to Christmas. The month begins and my hopes and plans unfold as the dream of Christmas comes to a reality. I find myself naturally placed in the midst of parties to host, attend, cards to mail, fancy house lights to drive by and see, decorations to put up, Christmas programs at school and church, the Nutcracker, family advent services, worship, and shopping for the perfect gift at the perfect price. For some people, meandering through the month of December is like riding a ferris wheel, always in motion.

On these December days, there are many invisible dreams of Christmas that I don’t even realize that I am longing for until they catch me off guard. They are realized during the stillness of a “pause” in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays. They are heard in the midst of the noise of my scurrying about. They are felt deeply as loved ones reach out.

Some of these dreams aren’t just plain silly. They are the hopes of a Christmas that is fulfilling in giving and sharing all that God has given. There are some invisible things about Christmas that we may discover glimpses of as the holiday unfolds. These quiet things may even bring out a sincerity and tenderness that that we don't expect. Here are a few of mine:

- Beautiful Lights remind me of the darkness which is painted on by an artists’ palate of light. It is a hope given that light can come even in the darkest times and joy covers the dark nighttime homes and trees with illumination.

-A red bell at the grocery store rings out. It is seeking funds to feed the poor and house the homeless. It is asking us to share hope. This is truly the season of giving. Whether we are sharing through filling the red kettle, the Operation Christmas Child box, the Angel Tree, or something else, humanity feels a need for collective support and interdependence as we give this season to make this world a better place.

-The tree, nativity, and stockings reminds us of surprises headed our way on Christmas. Regardless of whether we are naughty or nice, decorating invigorates the holiday and the heart of the home. When hospitality is extended it engages others with peace, hope, love, and joy. Although decorations are visible, they fade away when they provide a backdrop for our communal lives with loved ones, which is what really matters.

-The family getting together for the traditional advent services and greeting a chubby and jolly Santa are special. They make memories that provide cadence to family life. Kids feel special when their dream gifts are shared with loved ones and the adults take time to listen and find out what makes them happy. They know that they matter when it is their turn to light the candle.

-The culmination of many Christmas celebrations bring us to notice the beautiful things which are reminiscent of a simple life. We see this as we go to watch Clara twirl freely in the Nutcracker, see little Mary and Joseph love their baby in the Church Nativity Play, hear the drum section ring out in the winter band concert, laugh together at the office Christmas Party, read the ever so sweet Christmas Cards, and prepare red paper packages tied up with strings under the tree.

I could easily get lost in the details, expectations, and frantic style of Christmas as a mother of four, busy employee, and pastor’s wife. I could never even stop to sit and savor it all. Yet, those invisible moments catch up to me and tenderly remind me of my deeper, invisible wealth. The mercy in the quiet places finds me and fulfills my Christmas dreams one day at a time as I wait for the real Christmas miracle to become a reality. 

Seeing the Vision of a Wild-at-Heart Soccer Mom

A New Hope for Kahilu

Far away in a Congolese Jungle, young Kahilu, age 10, grows up with her 4 brothers, 2 sisters, and their single mother. Understandably, her mother struggles to provide for the family - she has seven kids to provide for in the midst of her poverty. They huddle together in a small mud home with a thatched roof. Kahilu’s problems are great. Thanksgiving is not being celebrated at her table any time soon. She needs clean water. She can’t go to school. Her mom cannot provide her with nutrition-rich food. Yet, that is where one U.S. stay-at-home mom, the work of World Vision, and possibly some of my readers, come into focus.

Courtney is a doting mother of four happy and active kids living in a country-suburban community in southern New Hampshire. This classroom volunteer and soccer mom became uncomfortable with her lifestyle as she learned about global poverty. She was so proud to be on the sidelines cheering on her four little stars, but her heart of compassion drew her overseas. 

There was a community of children out there who needed hope. She knew that she had to do something! In 2003, her family sponsored a boy from Senegal, named Bassirou through World Vision. Seeing Bassirou grow up into a smiling, young, 16 year-old has been a formative message about the power of generosity for the whole family. For a small monthly commitment they could radically change his life and community.

In time, Courtney knew she had to do more to help those in need. Courtney got even more involved with World Vision and is now volunteering as a regional coordinator for World Vision in the Northeast. The rewards for Courtney are in fulfilling the deep conviction in her heart that every child deserves a chance.

The great joy of changing one more life, having one more child sponsored, improving water for one more village leads her on. It is not uncommon for her to be off traveling to conferences on weekends or driving off on Sunday mornings to speak and put together a World Vision table. 

On an intimate level, Kahilu, who is still waiting for a sponsor in the Congo, desperately needs Courtney, my college friend. Courtney is hoping for a new life for Kahilu through somebody's willingness to sponsor her. Courtney is working to make that match! She is looking for someone to help. She reaches out and asks, "Can you sponsor this precious one?" One life at a time is changed by one child sponsor a time. 

The world improves with each “yes.” Please visit Courtney’s sponsor page and find the perfect little one for your family to sponsor. She is has a goal to see 5 kids sponsored by the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. An opportunity to pour out our gratitude and let our Thanksgiving joy run over. Will you help? Like Courtney, let’s change the world one World Vision sponsor at a time! If you'd like to contact Courtney, send her an email.

Thanksgiving

The weather is turning cooler outside and the leaves have nearly fallen from the trees. It seems that the earth is returning to a place of rest. It is drawing nearer to the still of winter as it reminisces about what will come and what has come of it. With this pause I too am reminded of the mercy that appears through reflection. I celebrate the heart that rises up by being deeply thankful for my many blessings that we have all been given over the past year.

In that reflection, I see the many fruits of both blessings and tragedies. This comes through remembering the many things in our lives that touch our hearts. New gifts and surprises of grace often come through pain, loss, and brokenness. They are gifts that remain after we choose to see through the adversity even if we are in the middle of it, walk hand and hand with the loss, and live with the reality that we may not have the answer. With every day that passes by I am struck by the simplicity of this. This is the season of unabridged thanks.

Recently I asked some folks what they are thankful for. I was struck that many of the responses sprung from mercy found in places of pain. It is finding a branch to hold onto in the midst of the flood that gives us the deepest gratitude. Many were thankful for the simple things, too. I am going to share a few. It is my hope that your thanks will spring up with greater clarity even as you look into their hearts.

*”I have lately been visiting many low-income schools in the Boston area and am reminded that having a home (even though it is church-owned and not actually ours), having books and school supplies and warm coats to wear and food on the table are blessings. These are provisions to not take for granted and things I should be thanking God for. I also need to always look for ways to reach out to those who are in need of these “basics” that we may overlook as blessings each day. Nothing profound… but from the heart…” (M)

*”I am thankful for the wonderful times I had with my brother whom we just recently lost.  It makes me realize how important it is to express our love for those we care about every day.  Each day is a gift, let’s enjoy it to the fullest.” (K)

*”I have a million things to be thankful for. It is nearly overwhelming! Every day there are scenes of suffering on TV and yet my family is healthy, prosperous, and safe. Just being alive and well is so much more than so many people have.” (S)

*One woman who recently lost her husband in a tragic accident said, “I try to remind myself every day what I am thankful for so that I don’t wallow in self pity. I am thankful for all the friendship and support I received and continue to receive from family and friends. I am thankful for the years I had with my dear husband. I am thankful for being alive and in good health.” (J)

*”I am especially thankful for my family, immediate, and extended. Family is such a glorious gift, and I shall always be grateful for time together and hospitality shared.” (C)

*”I’m thankful for my family, starting with my amazing, multi-talented, wife. My kids are great, too. I am thankful for opportunities at work that have borne good fruit this past year, along with others I’m in the midst of that I believe will be fruitful. I’m thankful for some memory-making and bond-building experiences with my family this past year – hiking, a vacation, a concert, skiing together, and more.” (B)

As I write these things down, I know that every one of you has something that has touched your heart this year. There are many highs and many lows. Some years have more balance than others. Some are more challenging. Some are wonderfully grace-filled. As you reflect upon what has shaped you this year maybe you have had beauty rising from the ashes, prosperity in the midst of pain, community transcending loneliness, and maybe it is nothing too profound but none-the-less from the heart.

It is my hope that the simple roots of Thanksgiving will return us to a place of rest and reflection, much like the earth is now. May Thanksgiving surround your table; may your gratitude for mutual interdependence, friendship, and community rise up; may your giving be out of abundance or even out of poverty. In this season of thanks may we call people up that we haven’t reached out to lately. May we reach out to the less fortunate, to those we have known, and family members. May we celebrate others and in doing so may we excavate something rich within us that makes us thankful for the mercy found in all things! Only by grace!

Parenting is...

Happy Soccer Mom

I have the opportunity to break down the humungous job description that we parents have been given! Awesome!

It is just huge. With constant love, parents work hard to raise up our preciously sweet and uniquely praiseworthy kids:) 

Here are some highlights:

*Believing for the best. Looking forward to days when the best is achievable for your precious one and progress is certain. Anticipating that they will fulfill their maximum potential in life.

*Being crazy about your kid. Wacko! Yes, totally into everything “them.”

*Not freaking-out, whenever possible. That includes the lost netbook, flash drives, and cell phone (and that’s just this last week).

*Pursuing opportunities for growth: music lessons, tutors, clubs, classes, friendships, sports, serving others, faith mentors (aka church for me), and developing compassion to provide fodder for inner-kid development. Yes, driving to all of these things is the burden we bear. 

*Keeping family pets alive and healthy as much as possible. 

*Understanding the inner kid. Keeping the outer kid clean.

*Problem solving when things aren’t going right. Possibly making a U-Turn or building a bridge. Maybe pushing delete or saying "I'm sorry."

*Laughing a blue streak privately after you punish the child for negative but cute behavior. Or crying buckets when it is hard to believe that your child messed up like that.

*If you are married: Trying to develop that relationship and maybe bless your spouse’s socks off.

*Celebrating everything: soccer goals, friendships, grace extended, lessons learned, good effort, and bravery.

*Being the Head Cheerleader in your child’s life - Moms!

*Being the Biggest Fan ever – Dads!

Parents getting pictures of their cuties!!!

*Seeing the big picture. Advocating. Making way for the big things to emerge in your child’s life. Praying for God to raise your kid up.

*Leaving a legacy of faith, hope, and love in the midst of lacrosse practice, the laundry, barf, diapers, work, and the pot roast in the oven!

Top Pot

The "Go Hawks!" Doughnut is my fave!

To be honest, I really questioned my odd idea to blog about Top Pot. So if you are questioning me, I understand. In the end, I think that there is something wonderfully simple and sweet about Top Pot that keeps me coming back. I believe that there just aren't enough blogs out there about doughnuts. (Believe me, I looked.) So, let's talk about Top Pot...

For Top Pot, it all began in 2002 on north Capitol Hill in Seattle. Top Pot shares a classic hand-made vintage doughnut vibe alongside Seattle’s gourmet coffee obsession. It's sort of "Starbucks meets Dunkin' Doughnuts" in a 50's diner - Seattle style. 

On any given day a fresh doughnut can be irresistible. Seahawks' wide receiver, Golden Tate, could not resist the smell of a maple bar when he broke into a Top Pot at 3am. Another surprise was when President Obama himself came to visit Seattle and stopped in at Top Pot. At least he came when they were open!

Seattle is known for the Seahawks, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks, the Space Needle, Queen Anne, and now some are saying - Top Pot.

Sometimes it is the simple things that we enjoy so much. 

Doughnuts anyone?

The Cool Mom at the Bus Stop

Aimee Fritz won the “cool mom” award when she showed up with her daughter Greta at the bus stop before school, wearing a Chicken Costume. She was dressed like a chicken from head to toe. Then, after she got her daughter Greta on the bus, she began her dance. She danced her chicken jig while the bus drove off. Little Greta and all her friends got some really sweet entertainment, probably a laugh or two, and a lesson in caring.

Aimee was new to the community; Her little girl was making new friends. This is the last thing a new kid needs her mom to do in front of her daughter and a full bus of kids! Why would she do this, and how on earth does this earn her the "cool mom" award? Well, it was all for a good cause: Aimee had a vision to raise support for Haiti Partners. The kids in Haiti were going back to school and needed money for supplies, and funding of scholarships, so she danced. The great thing is that people responded to her dance. Big bucks came in! 

I love it.

Mother Theresa once said, “Get out there and give real help! Get out there and love! Get out there and testify! Get out there and create whatever you can do to inspire people...This is what has to be done now. There is no time for dallying.”

Aimee’s little dance raised $10,500 for a great cause! Just one dance, videoed, and shared online. Haiti Partners has 1,053 elementary students on scholarship. That is 1,053 kids preparing for a great future. What a unique way to improve lives globally. I have never heard of a mother dancing at a bus stop, until now. As of writing this, Aimee and Greta are in Haiti visiting Haiti Partners. I venture to say that they will receive a very warm welcome when they get there.

I first met Aimee in college and am thankful for the difference that she has made through her daring dancing. It inspires me to recognize the big difference that one person can make. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "We find in life exactly what we put into it." I think Aimee has found something pretty special, and I hope you do, too.