Who doesn’t enjoy a
little (or a lot of) Christmas music? Okay, so I know a few people who don’t,
but hey….
Anyway, have you noticed how a lot of favorites don’t mention anything about why Christmas is even a ‘thing’—the true and actual reason for the season? Think about it. “White Christmas” is the number one all-time best selling most popular Christmas song. I’m also going to say that next to “Away in a Manger”, it is my favorite, too. Two more widely popular Christmas songs: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”. Hhmmm....
Go ahead—I’ll give you a
couple of minutes to run through the lyrics in your head.
No mention of Jesus, is
there?
Does that make these
songs bad or wrong? No. No, it doesn't. But it does make them misguided and remiss when it comes to their message. For
one thing, the prettiest sight you’ll see has nothing to do with holly. Rather it has everything to do with a miniature barn made out of popsicle sticks, bark, or
even finely crafted ceramic. A barn with people, sheep, a donkey or two, and a
rough looking box…with a tiny baby tucked neatly and safely inside.
What’s more, most of the
country rarely experiences a white Christmas. Only three states typically have
a greater than 60% chance. So, instead of dreaming for what probably won’t be, I want to suggest we focus on what always has been and always will be—God’s love for us and the
sending of Jesus to be our Savior.
I say these things to remind you that while you are having all sorts of fun enjoying a variety of festivities which are a part of Christmas, (as you should), don't forget Jesus. Don't forget to make it all about him, so that this beautiful truth doesn't get lost in the hustle and bustle, and so that you impress it upon the hearts, souls, and minds of the people you love.
Be salt and light,
Darla, aka Momma D
Who am I?
I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.
I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.
What do I write?
Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.
Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.
Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.
What do I say and who do I say it to?
*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.
*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!
*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.
*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!
*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.
*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.
*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.
Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).
Where can you find me?
My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore or order on my Square Store