Christmas Weekend 3

It's the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling

And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer"
It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call

It's the hap- happiest season of all

(Cady made this scarf for J'Cee in her class, she liked it:)

There'll be parties for hosting

Marshmallows for toasting

And caroling out in the snow

There'll be scary ghost stories

And tales of the glories of
Christmases long, long ago

It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much mistltoeing

(Christmas fajitas)

And hearts will be glowing

When love ones are near
It's the most wonderful time of the year 

(angel tree wrapping)

Enjoying his Grace, Extending his Glory

Yes, I am reading Radical

I don't know ....

if it's because I did all my shopping online this year.

Finally made use of the 30 boxes I received. 

Ready for our 4 Christmases. 

or because of our advent this year

The Jesse Tree

from a blogger/writer I have really been encouraged by

or because I accomplished this...

letting go a little, I am on sabbatical

rest from activity, not all, just the excess I found myself in

BUT

  Christ is our focus 
this year and it has made a huge difference.
Yes we've always celebrated Christ's birth, we've only given our kids 3 presents, & we've never lied to them about st. nicolas but our schedule over took the joy that advent was supposed to contain.
 Parties, planning, shopping, programs and productions....more is not better, it's stressful. 

At least in my life I am feeling the difference.
Time will tell with the kids but if mom's feeling it, they should. 

So, I'd like to share...

from Philippines (2004)

Mexico (1994)

Thailand (from worldcraft)

a cherished gift from my mother

a gift from a family in our fellowship of believers 

the mom is going through chemotherapy this season - we are praying for God to be glorified in all things .....even pain

A gift from the IMB 2 years ago 

from Ecuador

from Bethlehem Village (2006)

from Nepal (2009)

story here

from a dear believer here in Velma who hand painted it

from my childhood Nana in Sulpher Springs, TX

inscribed with her precious name and the year of my birth on the bottom

Hand painted by Nana. 

It was the nativity of my childhood, with a removable baby Jesus it was awe inspiring. 

I love housing it and have told my dear sister she can have it,

 it was given to our family the year of her birth.

from my kiddos, (2004? vbs)

We've done other things...

like get rid of books focusing on Santa instead of Christ

I'll admit strange things have shown up on our tree

Documents of the years and blessings

the kids and the movies

Will Farrell is in his place but Christ is in his.

FIRST in our hearts and minds. 

Cherished, loved, adored, HELD dear

I love this surprise set from my husband (2007)

but I love that Jesus is held...

Held close. 

As we await the celebration of this first coming

my heart quickens at the thought of his second coming.

Waiting....

For as sure as he came the first time, he will come again for those anxiously waiting & ready

Christmas Weekend 2

Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

http://www.lorislessons.blogspot.com/

Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s Strength and Consolation,

http://www.wmustore.com/search.aspx?QueryExpr=thailand&ResultsPage=1

Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear Desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,

Born a child and yet a King,

Born to reign in us forever,

Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-devotional-book/

By Thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all sufficient merit,

Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

A Christmas Card

What can a card say?

Seven Words? 

A thousand words? 


With 4 pictures, four thousand? 


Can it do more than tell a story? 


Can it speak? 


Of hope.

And of beauty. 


Can it? 


I turn the key, open the box and feel. 


A thick envelope. 


White and addressed to me from a dear friend.


A bestie :)


I open it in anticipation, thickness represents more. 


I gaze. 

It's not the words but the pictures that speak. 

Cute little cowboys. 

Smiling faces. 

From those we hold dear. 

From those we've laughed with over good food and cards.

From those we've cried with over loss and pain. 

Human pain.

From those we regret not seeing more of. 

Yet the moment we are together it's as if we haven't been apart at all.

From these lovely souls.

Made at this site. 

Online, quick, easy.

Thick, colorful, brilliant.

Nice.

A very nice card.


http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

One picture captures my eye.

Upon first glance it's a lovely family on a hearth. 

Fire a blaze, decorated in anticipation for the coming of Christ.

It tells the story. 

Isaiah 61

The Year of the LORD’s Favor

 ¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

   because the LORD has anointed me

   to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

   to proclaim freedom for the captives

   and release from darkness for the prisoners,

² to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor

   and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

 ³ and provide for those who grieve 

in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of 

beauty instead of ashes, 
the oil of joy 
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise 
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor.

 ⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins

   and restore the places long devastated;

3 Years ago.

Devastation.

Ruins.

Blood, sweat and time in ashes. 


Gone.

A phone call at night...

A sobbing friend unable to breathe. 

A long journey. 

But finally. 

This.... 

Beauty from ashes. 

Hope from despair. 

HE makes all things new. 

All is grace. 

Love your friends, send Christmas cards.

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

I am! 

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations