2013 JOURNEY TO CHRISTMAS: I HATE CHRISTMAS

Marcia Norwood
America's STORYTELLER
Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

  2013 JOURNEY TO CHRISTMAS:

I HATE CHRISTMAS

Martha Hackenberger is a mother, like me,

with  homemade (birth) kids who are now adults,

and chosen (adopted) children.

"These are the ones who put the HAPPY in this mother.

I'm thankful for each and every one, 

and for a day to celebrate them

 for making me a happy mother."

Martha Hackenberger 

Martha, Rachel, Esther Grace, Hannah, Dayv, Daniel and Greg.  Copyright 2011 Martha Hackenberger

 "These are a few of my favorite things."

 Martha Hackenberger 

Copyright 2013 Martha Hackenberger.

 "Ladies: you're never too old to play dress-up."  

 Martha Hackenberger 

Mother & Daughters:  Esther Grace, Martha and Hannah.  Copyright 2011 Martha Hackbergerger

Martha is a grandmother.

 "That tiny little hand 

might LOOK like it's just sitting there, 

but really it's permanently attached to my heart!"

Martha Hackenberger

Gra'am and Helen. 
Copyright 2011 Martha Hackenberger

 

Three Generations:  Martha, Rachel, Helen.  Copyright 2011 Martha Hackenberger

Gra'am and Helen.   Copyright 2011 Martha Hackenberger

Martha, Helen & Catherine.  Copyright 2013 Martha Hackenberger

Martha is a sister.

Sibling Reunion (with a couple daughters/nieces thrown in) Esther Grace, Joseph, Bill, Debbie, Marilyn, Hannah, Barbara, Martha and Greg.  Copyright 2011 Martha Hackengerger

A Message From:  

Martha Hackenberger

In honor of my sister, Sandy, who lost her battle with cancer ten years ago today, I share a Christmas poem which she wrote.

 

Don't get the wrong idea from this poem: Sandy made Christmas so much fun for each of her siblings (and parents) with her creative gift-giving and package decorating, not to mention the extremes she went to in making her younger siblings believe in Santa and the reindeer on the roof. 

But Sandy also made sure we understood the true meaning behind the celebration. She did this not only at Christmas time, but also in the way she lived her life the rest of the year. 

She is missed.

I HATE CHRISTMAS

A Poem By

Sandy Doerfel

I HATE CHRISTMAS 

if all that Christmas means
is decorated Christmas trees 

and jolly Santa scenes
and brightly wrapped gift packages 

and candles all aglow
and candy canes and twinkly lights 

and hanging mistletoe,
and stockings on the mantle hung 

and "One more shopping day"
and North Pole fairy tales and such 

with eight reindeer and sleigh
and bright-eyed kids with rosy cheeks 

who sit on Santa's knee
and squeal with joy upon the sight 

of gifts beneath the tree.

If this is all that Christmas is, 

count Christmas out for me.

For long ago in Bethlehem 

a baby boy was born.
It is His birth we celebrate, 

or should, on Christmas morn.
Not one of us can stand up 

to the standard that God made
and we'd be hell bound still 

had not the penalty been paid.
Nailed on a cross between two thieves

 Christ suffered and he died
for God demanded sacrifice, 

and that His Son supplied.

It was this child, 

the Son of God, 

who at age thirty-three
was killed 

but rose up from his grave 

and lives eternally.

Enjoy your Christmas tree and gifts 

in merry Christmas style,
but don't forget the birth of Him 

who made all life worthwhile.

 By 

Sandy Doerfel

who now celebrates WITH the Christ of Christmas

Copyright 2013 Martha Hackenberger

Martha is a believer.

When I've had prayer requests over the years, Martha always responds:  "Meet you at the throne of grace."

"Beloved, 

I pray that in all respects you may prosper 

and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."

 III John 1:2

The Holy Bible

Copyright 2013 Martha Hackenberger

 

 Martha is my friend. 

Copyright 2013 Martha Hackenberger

 

"I lift my hands to believe again... 

You are faithful God forever..." 

 

I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin

CLICK on the link or COPY & PASTE the link in your browser:

 http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=A111US0&p=i+life+my+hands+to+believe+again+you+are+a+faithful+god+forever

I'm praying for you, Martha, and for your family, on the 10th anniversary of Sandy's homegoing to Heaven.

Meet you at the Throne of Grace.

My friend, Martha in her necklace/scarf creation.  Copyright 2012 Martha Hackenberger

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Come back often, and invite a friend!

Marcia Norwood

America's STORYTELLER

Telling Untold Stories in Photographs, Prose and Public Speaking

http://tellmeastory-marcia.blogspot.com/