big 'T'...little 't'...

First I must give credit to Dr. Grant for the big 'T' and little 't' concept, I am not nearly that clever. He used it in a different context, but during the Advent season it certainly applies. You see there are traditions, little 't', and Traditions, big 'T'. That capital letter brings a named importance, a special meaning to what it is attached to, while that little letter is common, unspecific, and rather mundane. Let me explain...

Here is the Tuck house we have many traditions at Christmas time. Some have been passed down from grandparents and some are new. We decorate our tree every year after the twins birthday, we bake and cook like crazy, we drink cocoa so it will snow (ask the kids!), we buy presents, we have an ongoing and usually unfinished puzzle under the table cloth, EAT way more than we should, we count down to Christmas on a candy strip, send cards, and many more traditions. But these are all common activities that a lot of people engage in at this time of year. These build memories in our children and create a bond as a family. If we leave something out, than it feels odd and incomplete. But, these are the little 't' part of Christmas...it is not what makes Christmas special.

Our Tradition at this time of year is properly focused on God's plan for our redemption. From the creation through to the birth of Christ, God has brought all events to His purpose in the birth of His son, Jesus.

Luke 2: 10-11

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior,

who is Christ the Lord."

This is the real importance and meaning of this season. This gives us joy and drives our celebration of Christmas. We try to create a balance between this big 'T' and little 't'. Our celebration begins with the decorating of the church and the creating of our advent wreath to set this season apart from the rest of the year. We practice and sing in choirs to give God glory in song. We listen to readings in our family devotions to put our hearts in the right place for the real Tradition. This is what rests in our hearts and give us focus.

So, do we give up the traditions in favor of the Traditions? Some do, and bless them for their convictions. God has not laid that on Brian's heart, so we continue on, balancing the common with the important. This week will see the wrapping of presents, baking of cookies, reading of scripture, laughter and great joy. We're a bit behind on some of those traditions and a few may not get done this year, but our Tradition has been growing in our understanding and we rejoice, giving thanks to God for His gift of Salvation.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday...

Happy 20th Birthday Amanda and Carissa! I am amazed at how fast the time flew by.

Both of you have grown into such lovely, Godly, special young ladies.

We are honored to be your parents.

('hi' to Caitlin in the middle above...you blend in so well around here, you might as well be family!)

They were so cute...

...any doubt that they are identical?

a quote...

Our quote for the day...Brian found this one.

"The men who really believe in themselves are all in lunatic asylums."
G.K. Chesterton

trip to the coast...

Brian and I love Long Beach! We have been taking trips there for years. We have our favorite restaurants and walks that we make every time we go. But, our kids have noticed something...when we 'go to the beach' we go as a family and it involves wet dogs, LOTS of sand, and a trip to the ice cream shop. When Brian and I go, we 'go to the coast', this involves minimal sand, NO dogs, oysters, and the best clam chowder from the 42nd Street Cafe. Both types of 'going' are a blessing, but last weekend was definitely the 'coast' for us. It was a perfectly sunny winter weekend. Above is a beach at Cape Disappointment, a favorite for our family. Brian had his pipe and I had my knitting and we spent a wonderful afternoon sitting with nothing to do but look at God's creation. Very restful!

On our way out of town we hoped to gather a shell for Nathan. We headed out to Leadbetter State Park on the tip of the peninsula, a great place to find shells. Well we found no shells, but plenty of ice. I had never seen the western shore of Willapa Bay so frozen. Nathan will have to wait till spring for his traditional shell gift.

Another favorite stopping place is Oysterville, also at the tip of the Peninsula on the western shore of Willapa Bay. A great little town with period homes from the late 1800 through early 1900's, the cutest little church, and a small seafood store. The two pictures above are the views from the deck of Sea View farms. The gal in the store said it had not frozen like this in 30yrs. It was quite a sight!

We came home more rested and ready to tackle Christmas. Thanks to the kids and Sarah for letting us run away for a few days...see, we did come back!

grace...

grace n. : elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action.

I saw grace this past weekend... The lovely young lady above danced the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy in Vancouver Dance Theatre's production of The Nutcracker. She was graceful, elegant, and had a poise about her that was striking and set her apart. She made this look easy! As anyone who has attempted pointe can tell you there is a certain 'pain curve' that you go through as you adjust from dancing on the ball of your foot to the toe. It is a physical challenge and takes commitment to be successful. This ballerina did it with grace. From her acknowledgement in the program of God as the source of her talent, through the continual perseverance to rehearse week after week, and the commitment to not only make it to worship on Sunday, but back for choir as well (with her last performance in between) this young lady indeed demonstrated grace. Your walk matches your talk ballerina... you did well.

I would also be seriously remiss if I did not remember some of the more important supporting roles from the performance...there also was an adorable large mouse, a very colorful candy cane, and a very distinguished Herr Stahlbaum in the cast as well. Thank you for a great show!

For those that are weary...

"He who forgets the humming of the bees among the heather, the cooing of the wood-pigeons in the forest, the song of birds in the woods, the rippling of rills among the rushes, and the sighing of the wind among the pines, needs not wonder if his heart forgets to sing and his soul grows heavy. A day's breathing of fresh air upon the hills, or a few hours, ramble in the beech woods' umbrageous calm, would sweep the cobwebs out of the brain of scores of our toiling ministers who are now but half alive. A mouthful of sea air, or a stiff walk in the wind's face, would not give grace to the soul, but it would yield oxygen to the body, which is next best."

Charles Haddon Spurgeon



It is not just toiling ministers that can benefit from Mr. Spurgeon's advice. Take the time to look at God's creation today and come away refreshed.