It's Christmas Time,

     Once Again

The wreath that hangs on my front door silently speaks to me and all who enter each day.  It occurs to me as I finish up my tasks of hustling and bustling that Christmas will arrive without my efforts! No amount of cleaning, or cooking or gift buying or decorating will bring this glorious day about. 

Christmas Day is. It just is. As in, "I AM" 

My favorite Christmas moments are the quietest ones. Late on Christmas Eve with all the packages under the tree, candles lit from the reading of Luke 2, and quiet. . . filling the house. Would Christmas arrive without my purchasing presents for those I love? I wonder each year as the money stretches thin. Could Christmas happen without them? 

One of my favorite Christmases was one in which a stray evergreen branch was our tree, one simple candle lit the room, and a simple gift exchanged was the celebration. We were in Innsbruck,  Austria, my cousin and I. In the midst of our backpacking travels across Europe, we stopped in this beautiful village to celebrate Christmas. We attended an international Christmas Eve candle light service, listened to the singing of Silent Night in many different languages, walking back to our room through the snow covered streets.

These memories are my reminders to cherish the simplest of moments. The hearts of those I love are my greatest treasures.


Through the inevitable disappointments of the season, hurts and struggles. . .

Believe. . . believe in the HOPE that Christ's birth brings.  

And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying.  For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things.  But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.   Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:29-32

A soft rain is falling. . . a few birds are singing even in the rain. . . so good for all of the plants, flowers, trees, grass. . . for all of us living things!

"Look to the Lord and His strength.

Seek His face continually."

Psalm 105:4

The flag is waving in the breeze, the sun is shining, the birds are singing

~A glorious summer day~

Thank you Asia at A Lady in the Making for this sweet award. I'm almost a year late in responding! I'm so glad you visited and enjoyed my blog. Blessings to you~

"Delight yourself in the Lord

And He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4


"My darling child. . . My heart is your heart. . . I am always by your side. . . walk closely beside Me. . . listen to My word. . . trust. . ."

It's a new year! And a time to remind myself that it's never too late to dream! I decided the best way to accomplish new things is to set a goal of doing something creative every day. So far that has included painting a couple of ceramic pots and playing around in photoshop. Not sure if that qualifies, since what, in days past, took hours and days to create, now just takes a click of a button. But it's fun and good for the soul, anyway.

The last few months of this year were a time of change. It began with the "knowing" that I had to find a way to quit my second job. With the holidays coming up, my hours would get later and later, keeping me away from home until 10:00 or later the nights I worked. Just not acceptable. I knew I needed to be home. My heart was always torn when I was at work, wanting to be home, even though I enjoyed  my job and the creativity it involved. So, one day during a break, a rare quiet moment, I sat down and prayed. The verse that immediately popped into my mind was Proverbs 3:5-6. I knew my heart and spirit were deeply troubled by my dilemma and as I thought on these verses, I wasn't sure how to interpret them in my situation, but I began to feel my trust increasing. It was still based on faith in a result I couldn't see, but I was ready to trust that God was working.

My trust was tested in more than one situation at a time. My parents moved into an assisted living home in Tennessee, close to my brother's family. This was such a life changing experience for me and required TRUST in God working His plan in their lives, not mine.

And then, an opportunity showed itself, that I didn't even recognize at first, but then realized that this was my chance to quit my second job, budget out my resources, and TRUST! So, with trepidation. . . I did! And each day was filled with a trusting so real it seemed tangible. It still does. Just being. Being at home. Time at home. I have learned that time is money. Time has a value that money can't buy. This decision was life changing as well.

Shortly after this change, I was transferred to a different school. So, I've been learning how to work with different students with different challenges. Trying to TRUST that I'm where I belong at the moment.

Praying that through my attempt at creativity, I can find a way to support my spending more time at home.
Isn't it funny how even when it comes to doing the things we love, it requires discipline? So, that is my goal, to discipline myself daily, to do one thing I love!