Tag Archives: Christmas tree

Dirty Floors

My laundry room is a mess. Not only is this the place that overflows with dirty clothes and linens, but it also is the place

laundry room - before

laundry room – before (Photo credit: Amber Karnes)

where everyone takes off their boots and shoes before entering the house. This includes boots that have been in the barn and the chicken coop. Um…..it can get yucky. It seems I am constantly sweeping and cleaning the floor, only to have it quickly messed up all over again.

I take life lessons where I can get them….sweeping up the dirt of life. The dirt is everywhere, isn’t it?  Just when we think everything is in order, life gets dirty again. It is when the messiness is overwhelming, I realize that I am incapable of making things right. I’ve never been able to make things right, not really.  I cry out to the One who is able to put things in order.

He is ever patient with me.

And for that I am thankful and forever grateful.

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Today I am thankful for:

* wet, soggy Monday

* white twinkling Christmas lights

* Ghiradelli chocolate

* my dirty chickens that give me lovely eggs

* Ace who walks by my side and “patrols” the perimeter of the house

* Lonnie dog next to the Christmas tree

* Nikki who follows me around and purrs loudly

* my husband who loves me in spite of myself

* children who are healthy and funny and messy

* friends that come into my life

* singing Christmas carols without music

* dirty laundry room floors that remind me of God

* Emmanuel—God with us

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Peace With A Purpose

The Christmas tree lights sparkled, giving the room a warm glow. There is just something about how a room looks when

English: Christmas lights illuminate a tree an...

bathed in the sparkle of Christmas lights. My gaze took in the room, noticing all the picture frames nestled amongst the greenery, the ornaments hanging on the tree from days long ago and a feeling of peacefulness settled around me. The world is not perfect, and at times it can be down right scary…but, for a few, still minutes it was calm and filled with a deep thanksgiving. I felt blessed, truly blessed. Blessed not with perfection, but with purpose.

Purpose…

The beautiful Italian nativity setting on the table brings me joy. Joy, not because of the work of a great artisans, but because of what that small baby in the center of it all brings…

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Jesus, whose purpose it was to come into this broken world to save.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19: 10 NIV

Peace from the Prince of Peace…at Christmas and all through the year.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26 NIV

 

 

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Christmas Memories

Christmas Memories

Joy to the World,

sky so bright.

Church lit at night

childhood delight.

Christmas songs,

I’ve known so long.

Family together,

in all kinds of weather.

Jumping up and down,

as snow hits the ground.

Christmas trees,

of all shapes and sizes.

Beautiful packages,

filled full of surprises.

Mom’s special albums,

of Nat King Cole,

Bing, and Sinatra,

their songs don’t grow old.

TV specials,

my sis and I watched.

Charlie Brown, The Grinch

and don’t forget Rudolph!

All these are wonderful,

and dear to my heart.

Memories  mean so much

never to part.

But, above all else

what means the most…

is the proclamation of

the heavenly host.

“Unto you,

a Savior is born.”

With those words, everything changed

from that night on.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 NIV

 

 

 

 

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Wrapped Up In Christmas

A bright and sunny December morning.

December 12, 2011….

I’m finding all things to be thankful for,

because I will not pass this way again…

So thankful for:

*the crystal frost that covers the ground and sparkles like diamonds in the early morning sun

*a blazing pink and purple sunrise

*a lit Christmas tree covered with memories

*music that makes my heart soar

*worshiping in the here and now

*cleaning the house

*looking forward to having company over

*the village post office, it is exciting this time of year

*being known

*sharing my life

*chocolate covered almonds

*family and friends that brighten my days

*finding the nativity in an old antiques store

*beautiful, vintage glass decorations that make my heart happy

*Christmas cards from friends

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

  “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:13-14  NIV

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Dance In The Snow

English: 4 paper snowflakes cut out as an example

“We are always getting ready to live, but never living” – Ralph Waldo Emerson  (and evidently, Churchill quoted this also)

I spent some of my afternoon cutting out paper snowflakes. It is snowing (for real) outside. I’ve been listening to favorite Christmas music on Pandora. It’s been a quiet day and I have enjoyed it entirely. It’s been good.

Tonight the family will be going to a local “Country Christmas” where we will be witness to a live nativity. Hearing the Christmas story of the birth of the Messiah. The story that never grows old.

Memories.

Living.

Isn’t that what each of us is called to do?

To live each day and enjoy the moments. Right where we are at.

The moments are gone all too soon. How many times do I say, ” I’ll do that later” or make some other excuse?

Stop. Laugh. Enjoy.

Catch snowflakes on my tongue. Laugh until I cry. Take pictures of the kids at this very moment…because it won’t be back again. Capture the dog wearing antlers.

Dance in paper snowflakes. Lick the brownie batter. Sing at the top of my lungs. Wear the favorite sweater on a Thursday, what am I saving it for? Watch classic movies…and cartoons.

Tell family I love them. Send the card. Write the email.

Thank God.

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You Know You Are Losing It When…

Mrs. Laura Bush poses with children and Cliffo...

Image via Wikipedia

Those of you that read my blog know I am a Christian, wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. I’m a writer, ponderer (is that a real word?), romantic, nostalgic, and a teacher. I have my blond moments, melt downs, and flip outs. I prefer organization and can lean a little towards being compulsive….but, only about certain things. Believe me on that.

So, today has been crazy for me. I don’t know if I’m coming or going. Or am I here or have I already left the building? You know what I mean? Haven’t we all had those type of days?

You Know You Are Losing It When…

1. You find yourself standing at the kitchen sink, holding the sink strainer, and  are actually wondering what that gunk IS in there? And worse yet, how did it get in there?

2. Your elderly dog takes glucosamine. The meds are orange flavored. You contemplate tasting it to see if it really DOES taste like orange. Like the dog cares. He thinks it’s a treat.

3. You start to watch the news while making dinner. Instead of truly listening to what is going on in the world, you find yourself staring at the news reporter, thinking that he has a huge forehead and he’d look a lot better if he styled his hair differently.

4. While driving into town today, your child mentions that something stinks in the mini-van. You sigh….and then turn up the talk radio station even louder. It helps to drown out the thoughts about what could be rotting in the back cup holders, or under the seat.

5. You “skate” across the kitchen floor in your socks, while holding a spatula, singing Christmas tunes…and your family members don’t even consider that strange.

6. You sprayed way to much Yankee Candle, mistletoe scented spray on the fake Christmas trees. For the love of Pete would someone throw open a window…I think I’m getting a mistletoe buzz.

7. The collie (not the older dog) keeps dumping the entire bowl of dog food in the snow. Then hides the bowl.

8. You start to believe that you actually look pretty sexy in your “Clifford the Big Red Dog” apron, as you fix dinner.

9. You try not to think about the fact that the ground beef you are browning for dinner used to be a cow at some point. Sniff. Sniff.

10. Okay, so maybe I’m not certifiable…..unless you look under the word MOM. Then you realize that  losing one’s mind comes with the territory.

By the way, the cat is staring at me as I type. HE KNOWS.

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SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

Snowing painted by Márton Zsoldos

Image via Wikipedia

(Setting)

Mom sitting at the kitchen counter with her computer. She is decked out in her leggings and her “Baby It’s Cold Outside“/Snowman Pajamas. TV news is on in the background. She has a mug of coffee, as she stares out the kitchen window.  The snow is falling and blowing. The temperature is currently hovering around 30 degrees. The Christmas tree is lit and the candles are burning. The kids are quietly working on their school work. Husband is working in his office. All is well with the world.

Picturesque, right?

(Behind the scenes)

“Mom, I need my long johns to go outside to the barn!” “It’s cold.”

“I’m cold.” ” Am, I gonna be able to drive in this mess?” “So, cold!”

” I require hot chocolate on a day like this. Are you going to make some?”

“Mom, why are the clouds so gray when it’s snowing?”

“Mom, I love you.”

“Mom, are you in the Christmas spirit this morning?”

(Mom, is currently singing “Let It Snow” like she is on a Christmas TV special.)

I guess she needs to go get dressed…..After she takes some pictures of this year’s first snow.

 

 

 

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There Is Beauty In The Simple Things

Sunrise on Vanha Porvoontie

Image by MikeAncient via Flickr

1. Warm candle light spilling  from the windows on a dark, chilly night.

2. Opening the mailbox to find a letter addressed to you.

3. Breathtaking sunsets where all the colors melt into each other.

4. Small churches with stained glass windows and steeples.

5. Lantern style street lights.

6. The very first snow of the year

7. Hot chocolate with gooey marshmallows.

8. Flavored coffee in a favorite mug.

9. The smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree.

10. Thanksgiving with family and friends around the table.

11. Having plenty to be thankful for.

12. The laughter of small children.

13. The silence on Christmas Eve.

14. The clank of wind chimes.

15. Driving down a country road.

16. Finding a great coffee shop in town.

17. The smell of apples and cinnamon.

18. A day off

19. Snuggling on the couch with a the TV remote and a bowl of popcorn.

20. Having friends over.

21. Laughing at something stupid.

22. Music that touches the soul.

23. A much loved and well worn bathrobe.

24. A loyal pet.

25. Friends

26.The beauty of nature

27. Holding hands

28. Smiling

29. Memories of happy times

30. Knowing that you are unique, no one can ever take your place.

God blesses us every day with the simple things.

 

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