I SCORED THIS CHRISTMAS!
I pretty much scored this Christmas. We got time to spend with family and friends, all are healthy and overall maturing, myself included. We exchanged some good gifts. I received some needed jeans and the traditional pair of tennis shoes to name a few of the goodies.
Occasionally my wife demands all of us in our immediate family make handmade gifts for one another. The oldest wrote all of our names on personal grains of rice… at least that’s what I’m told, I can’t see it even with my glasses on… My wife gave us the best gifts of all this Christmas by a long shot, ones that we’ll all have long after the clothes are worn out.
She wrote to each of her daughters a poem about them from her heart and perspective… I struggled to fight back the tears Christmas morning as they each read theirs. She also made me one. Not as long and not quite as sentimental, maybe given the subject matter, but it was a gift I treasure deeply; the gift of words from another, especially the love of my life.
My wife is a wonderful writer and I’ve tried to get her to guest post for me for years, but she always refuses me. I finally got her to host, well not exactly, but she did give me the green light to share her poem she wrote to me for Christmas.
December 25, 2013
To Floyd:
Another year gone
Christmas again
Can’t find any new gifts
So I’ll just use this pen
I’ll never forget
I’ve seen your strife
You’ve worked long and hard
To create a good life
You’re creative
You’re strong
Determined and bright
You lift and inspire with great insight
You guard and protect all of us here
You surely love knives
So we need not fear!
From music to cars
Your interests run deep
And since you’ve known me
You now like to sleep!
But through all of this time
The thing that I love
Is your heart for your God
No other comes Above!
Thank you for your heart
Your prayers
Your generosity
I love you
I told you I scored didn’t I? Isn’t it amazing that the best things in life don’t come from the outside… they come from the heart. May we all keep that in our minds and hearts as we head into a New Year and bring our Father and loved ones honor.
Did you score this Christmas?
Phil
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 2:29 pm
That’s completely awesome Floyd!
Floyd
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 6:03 pm
Thanks, Phil. Hope you scored this Christmas too, brother.
Phil
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 2:29 pm
That’s completely awesome Floyd!
SimplyDarlene
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 3:00 pm
I could hardly get beyond the personalized rice! Clever.
Words. Best gift ever.
Blessings.
Floyd
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 6:04 pm
Best gift ever. Yep, I agree, those are the type of treasures we take with us to the other side. Thanks, Darlene.
child of God
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 4:26 pm
Homemade gifts are the best. What a beautiful poem from your wife to you. I feel her deep respect and love, thank you for sharing this gift of the heart from wife to husband.
I guess the very best gift I received this year was the chance to share Jesus with my niece. Last night while talking to her on the phone and listening to her pour out her heart about how horrible her Christmas was, I took the opportunity to tell her that it wasn’t about us but about the birth of Jesus. She silently listened to me. I hope her 12 year old heart will hear the calling of Jesus and answer.
I love the personalized rise! What talent!!
Blessings.
Floyd
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 6:07 pm
That’s what I call “scoring”! To be able to share that Truth that will help the choice to be chosen by another is the best gift we could ever get or give! That is too amazing! Thanks for sharing that! That makes my Christmas season that much better!
Betty Draper
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 6:00 pm
She is a keeper brother. I carry a short note Ace wrote thanking me for being a good Mom and wife. There is nothing I would trade it for. She was loving on you with words…better then material gifts any day. Thank her for allowing you to share this personal poem.
Floyd
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 6:10 pm
Awe thanks, Betty. I’ll let her know. She is a keeper indeed. I on the other hand was questionable for a while. Some of us take longer than others to catch on. That is so honorable and heart warming to know how much that note from Ace means to you. That is truly a treasure that a number couldn’t add up to in value. Thanks for sharing that, sister.
Lisa notes
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 6:37 pm
You did score, Floyd. What a precious gift your wife gave each of you. Keep trying to talk her into giving us a gift with her words in a guest post! 🙂 Would love to hear more from her.
Floyd
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 6:41 pm
Thanks, Lisa. I think I can talk her into it this year. She is a very humble person, I admit she’s helped me grow in tremendous ways in that arena. Proof our Father has a plan! Thanks again for the kind words.
Caleb Suko
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 8:09 pm
Floyd your wife is an excellent writer! I have been working on hard on writing my poem based on John 1:1-14 this month so I know the work that goes into crafting something like that.
My biggest score on Christmas was just being home for the first time in 7 years!
Floyd
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 10:18 am
And that’s the kind of “score” I’m talkin’ about! Material things are nice, but they can’t ever add up to the things that are of the most value. I’ll look forward to reading the rest of that poem, Caleb!
Lynn Morrissey
Friday, December 27, 2013 @ 8:14 pm
Wow, Floyd! That’s so neat. I would say that your beautiful Diane is a keeper! So is my Michael, though he is not a poet……ah, but he lets me be, and that, too, is a gift. Have you ever written to Diane, specifically? I gave Michael that poem about the apple orchard as a Christmas gift, and I wrote a poem for him on our 25th anniversary. There is something about the written word, penned from the heart, that is so meaningful–just like what Diane did for you and your girls this Christmas. For those of your readers who want to write poetry, but struggle, I would recommend an “alpha” poem, in which the person’s first, last, and middle names becom the acrostic (on the left) around which the poem is built. They can be written amazingly quickly, and when they are framed, they make a lovely gift. I’ve done this a number of times, and people seem so grateful to see that they, themselves and their actual name, are the inspiration for the poem.
I know this is one Christams you shall long remember, Floyd! Glad it was so happy, and I wish you a Happy New Year, too!
Love
Lynn
Floyd
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 10:22 am
We are blessed indeed! I have written her things in the past, never a poem… not my strong suit! I like that advice on an alpha poem, might have to give that a go one of these days. Thanks, Lynn, and a Happy New Year to you, Michael, and Sheridan!
Mia
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 5:04 am
Dear Floyd
Oh, now I have a big lump in my throat. I know that these words, coming from a woman’s heart, are holy. The fact that this woman is your wife makes it sort of ethereally holy and I totally agree with her. You are a brother who does not only love your wife and daughters more than your life, but also a friend who honors all the relationships in your life. Thanks for being such a faithful husband, father and friend. I hope your wife will bless us again with her writing skills in 2014. What a lovely poem; a real tearjerker.
Blessings to you and your family XX
Mia
Floyd
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 10:33 am
Thanks for the tender words, Mia. We have been blessed with mates that while not perfect, are the perfect choice from our Father. I think I can get my wife to post this year, and thanks for the encouragement. Blessings to you and your family as well, Mia. I appreciate it more than you know.
Bill (cycelguy)
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 7:14 am
Can I tell her the truth about her husband that she might now know? 🙂 No? Well then…nice tribute Floyd. Nothing speaks as much as words from the heart to paper. I scored in so many ways. Both girls. My son-in-law moved back home the early part of the year and this Christmas was so much better than the lonely one my daughter spent last year. he was even looking forward to Christmas instead of being a Scrooge. 🙂 I know the church loves me. Most of all, I know God’s grace. What can be better than that? I’d suggest i hit a grand slam or is that won the Tour de France yellow jersey?
Floyd
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 10:37 am
That’s wonderful news! Those are answers to prayers, Bill! That is a incredible score!!! Our Father has blessed you and has used you to bless others. That’s a blessed gift as well. I don’t think either of those comes close! But it was worth a grin, funny guy… I might be one of the only people that get that twisted humor! Thanks, Bill.
Betty Draper
Monday, December 30, 2013 @ 10:28 am
Bill good to read your son in law moved back. Gives me hope with our son situation.
Floyd
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 @ 9:44 am
God is answering prayers in His perfect way and will, Betty. We’ll keep on doing what we’re called to do; pray…
Audra Krell
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 9:14 am
Now we’ve scored by reading that beautiful poem! Please tell her that I would love to see her guest post here and would welcome a chance to read much more of her writing! For Christmas I wanted a new Bible that was recently published, it’s the NIV Ragamuffin Bible: Meditations for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up and Brokenhearted by Brennan Manning. My boys looked all over God’s green Earth and never gave up until they found the ONE copy, in a the back room, at a Family Christian Bookstore. I will treasure it forever. And, I highly recommend all of his books, not to mention this Bible.
Floyd
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 10:41 am
That’s so cool! That score will last not only a lifetime, but into eternity!!! What a great gift, Audra… How blessed you are with your husband and sons. That is so great! I’m so glad you shared that! I’ll pass it on to Diane and thanks for the encouraging words. God bless, sister.
Thomas Mason
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 12:41 pm
Thanks for sharing this heartwarming poem. You scored indeed, my friend.
Floyd
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 4:35 pm
Thanks, Thomas. I know you did as well by spending time with loved ones as well. We are blessed, my friend.
Pam
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 3:28 pm
A most beautiful gift, Floyd. I agree–the best gifts come from the heart.
Floyd
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 4:36 pm
Thanks, Pam. We just need to remind ourselves of that now and again.
Lincoln Parks
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 5:12 pm
Now that is a gift that will keep giving forever. The gift of a poem and written word last longer than anything like you mentioned Floyd. You did score this Christmas, with a gift like that. Such a blessed Guy and wonderful family.
Floyd
Sunday, December 29, 2013 @ 9:17 am
I did. I know you did too by being with and caring for the ones you love. We are amazingly blessed! Thanks, Lincoln!
Hazel Moon
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 6:36 pm
Such a sweet gift – the gift of Love. You did score well. May your new year also be full of love, understanding, mercy and peace. This will no doubt be seen at Tell me a True Story.
Floyd
Sunday, December 29, 2013 @ 9:18 am
Thanks, Hazel. I pray those same blessings on you and Robert along with your entire family this year!
Barb Raveling
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @ 9:09 pm
Love the poem! Thanks for sharing it with us. I’m just soaking up the family time with all of our kids home. 🙂
Floyd
Sunday, December 29, 2013 @ 9:22 am
I knew you “scored”, Barb! Understanding the greatest treasures in life don’t come from material things is the first step to being blessed by our Father. Savor the time, Barb. God bless you and yours!
Ed
Sunday, December 29, 2013 @ 3:18 am
Personalized Rice? I haven’t scored with the $5.00 personalized bag of rice, but I did score big time being around my mom on Christmas…
Floyd
Sunday, December 29, 2013 @ 9:24 am
That’s what I’m talking about! Good for you, Ed! Those are the best things in life, my friend, but I know you already know that. Thanks for sharing, Ed. It’s good to hear from you!
Dan Black
Monday, December 30, 2013 @ 7:42 pm
What a powerful poem! Your a blessed man. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Floyd
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 @ 9:45 am
That I am… Thanks, Dan!
Kristin
Monday, December 30, 2013 @ 7:53 pm
There’s nothing better than a gift straight from the heart. And to have a spouse who is loving enough to give a gift like that. I have one too:)
Yes, I think I scored this Christmas. I got a publishing deal and even better, all my guys were home with me for Christmas! I’ve been on cloud 9!
Happy New Year!
Floyd
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 @ 9:46 am
That is the epitome of “scoring”, Kristin!!! Good for you, sister! I know which one means the most to you, Kristin! It’s great to see our Father answering prayers in your life and family! Thanks for sharing that!
bluecottonmemory
Monday, December 30, 2013 @ 11:56 pm
That is a perfect gift! My husband isn’t a poet but he gave me bookcases – that speaks volumes:) He’s an Acts of Service Love Language and I am a Word Love Language:) Hoping one day, my boys will value the poems I have written for them:) Sounds like your Christmas was beautiful blessing!
Floyd
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 @ 9:48 am
The apple won’t fall far from the tree! Your poems will be the treasures that they store in their hearts and numbers will never be able to calculate a value!!! I know you had a wonderful Christmas with your boys coming and going… but they always come home. Well done, sister.
Sylvia R
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 @ 6:32 am
Beautiful! Thank you (and your wife) for sharing this. And what a wonderful mandate: all hand-(and heart-) made gifts, only. Sounds like a most blessed kind of Christmas—and gifts, even that grain of rice. (Now you have to figure out how to keep from losing it!) Happy New Year!
Floyd
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 @ 9:50 am
Funny how the smallest of gifts can mean so much… We did have a wonderful Christmas. Hope you did as well and I pray God’s blessings in your life this next years and all the ones you’re granted. Happy New Year, Sylvia! God bless, sister!
Jennifer Dougan
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 @ 10:43 am
Go, Floyd’s wife! 🙂 Tell her good job from me, and that I’m so proud of her for affirming and loving her man. That is a good woman.
Have a great new year,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Tuesday, December 31, 2013 @ 10:54 am
I’ll pass it on, Jennifer. And a great and blessed new year to you and your family as well!
Rick Dawson
Wednesday, January 1, 2014 @ 2:29 pm
Scored and won, I’d say – but what do *I* know? 🙂
Happy New Year, my friend – may each day be blessed as you bless others.
Floyd
Wednesday, January 1, 2014 @ 4:30 pm
I’d say you know more than most by a long shot! Happy New Year to you, my friend. God bless you and yours, Rick.
Joanne Norton
Wednesday, January 1, 2014 @ 6:19 pm
What a blessing this was to read, to know your wife a bit better Filled with appreciation and love. You are a massively blessed guy. [And loved and appreciated by your friends and brothers and sisters, too, on your blog world.]
Love you and your family, and I don’t know when/if I’ll see you all personally, but ARE on my heart.
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 3:54 pm
Thanks, Joanne. We share a bond of family for sure. And thanks for always sharing your warm heart and encouragement with so many… You are a blessing, sister!
David
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 9:56 am
Great poem, Floyd, your wife is gifted and I can tell from her words that you are blessed.
I got a prayer/poem from my wife this year as well so I scored too. Although the words were not original to her I could tell they spoke her heart so it made my eyes sweat – but only just a little bit. 😉
2013 was not a “banner” year, but as I look toward 2014 my hope is to gain back some of the proper perspective that often gets lost in the fray of the frazzled years.
God bless.
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 4:27 pm
Good for you, David! I like that, “eyes sweat.” Yeah, that’s what I meant! Sometimes we gain more than we can ever imagine during the tough valleys until we’re well out of them. Praying you reach the other side for a break, my friend.
Rachael
Saturday, January 4, 2014 @ 12:21 pm
What a gift of heartfelt words you have received! Yes, they sure will outlast the jeans. It is amazing how as we get older the less stuff we desire and the more meaningful moments and heartfelt gifts take precedence. We were feeling that way this Christmas too! Great post, Floyd! Blessings, Rachael
Floyd
Saturday, January 4, 2014 @ 12:57 pm
It is amazing how our priorities become more pure and wise. What a blessing to be able to see that Truth in our lives. Thanks, Rachael. Abundant blessing to you as well, sister.
tcavey
Tuesday, January 7, 2014 @ 11:10 am
You truly are a blessed man. Thank you for sharing. I hope/pray your wife will agree to guest post someday.
God bless you both.
As for my Christmas…it was one of the best I’ve ever had. All thanks to God for filling me with such joy and hope.
Floyd
Tuesday, January 7, 2014 @ 4:15 pm
I’m so happy to hear that your Christmas was filled with joy and peace from our Father. You did good by following the Calling. I’ve had such a great response to this I think I’ll be able to get her to share her writing and heart. Thanks, TC!
tcavey
Thursday, January 9, 2014 @ 10:38 am
I hope so! She has talent.
Floyd
Thursday, January 9, 2014 @ 2:03 pm
Indeed. Seems to be a common denominator with all of you nurses!
Nancy
Sunday, January 12, 2014 @ 4:02 pm
Words certainly ARE containers. Her words were the little boxes that surrounded her gift of LOVE to you. Huge….huge…. Tell her I said so! Sending our Love, Randy and Nancy
Floyd
Sunday, January 12, 2014 @ 6:01 pm
I’ll tell her. Thanks, Nancy. I know how you appreciate a poem or song, sister. They flow from your heart. God bless you guys this year.