Happy Mother's Day

 

Bread for the Journey

 

Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up, until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier by them. The kind things you mean to say when they are gone, say them before they go.

--George William Childs

Bread for the Journey

 

May every new morning be filled with confidence and hope.  

Trust the promises of God

 

"I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul."

Psalm 31:7

When troubles come my way, they can trip me up and send me down a difficult trail. Sometimes I feel like a chocolate soldier, one who melts under the stress of unbelief. When I am anxious my life becomes tossed and turned like a ship at sea. 

But the promises of God are everlasting. His unfailing love washes over my soul and gives me the strength to continue the battle. 

"He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ."

Phillipians 1:6

When we trust the promises of God, we sever the root of our anxiety.

"The omnipotence of God means eternal, unshakable refuge in the everlasting glory of God no matter what happens on this earth."

John Piper

Christmas prayer

 

CHRISTMAS PRAYER

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the Song of the Angels, the Gladness of the Shepherds, and the Worship of the Wise Men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of Love all over the world.  Let Kindness come with every gift and Good Desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the Blessing which Christ brings, and Teach us to be merry with Clear Hearts.  

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy Children and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with Grateful Thoughts, Forgiving and Forgiven.

For Jesus' Sake........ Amen.

(Robert Louis Stevenson)

Christmas beauty

 

At Christmas, do you ever just sit by the tree and take in the beauty of the season?

After everyone has gone to bed, do you fill a plate with some sweet goodness, make a hot cup of tea and just enjoy the quietness of the evening?


Do you sometimes wonder what the Shepherds thought on that night, so many years ago, when the Angelic host proclaimed the birth of Jesus?

What an awe filled experience that must have been.

And for now, I will turn the lights down low, and pretend the twinkling of the Christmas tree are the stars of the Universe proclaiming the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Sweet memories

As I look back on this past year I am amazed at the talent, creativity and beauty that is shared via blogging. The internet has surely made it a very small world.

And of course as we enter yet another year, there is time for reflection. Remembering the years that have past. I'd like to share with you about a very special lady. One who filled a hole in our lives.

She was my teacher, friend, and soul mate in treasure hunting for over 30 years. I used to tag along with her to yard sales, antique shops and all kinds of second hand stores. She loved paper weights, and she also loved vases. She had quite a collection of both. I have several of her paper weights displayed in my home.

But more importantly, she loved my children and was a huge part of their growing up years.

My own mom passed away many years ago, before my children were born. She stepped in as an auntie, but more like a grandmother. Her generous and loving spirit filled us with her unconditional love.

Every Christmas my children and I would descend on her house and decorate for the season. It was a tradition we held until she no longer was able to live by herself. Our memories of her prick my heart, missing her laughter and gracious hospitality.

Very rarely does someone come into your life that has left such a deep imprint on your heart. I am most thankful to have known and loved her.

 

Before the year is out, take time to tell someone you love them. For some people, it can be a very lonely time of year.