This Christmas...

~gaze upon the Star that leads you to The Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.

~quietly treasure in your heart, as Mary did, the amazing things the Lord has done for you this past year...

~celebrate the home you live in and reflect on Jesus' humble birth place.

~sing along with the angels: 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all

   whom God favors.  "Luke 2:14

~never forget that Jesus told us to come to Him as a child, no matter how old we are!  He delights in us enjoying the things children enjoy; simple pleasures.

~lavish on others from the abundance of blessings you've been given by our gracious God...

"for the Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)

~worship Him as the wise men did so long ago and give Him your very best gift, your heart.

~remember Christmas isn't about giving gifts, it's about Jesus being born to die for your sins; there is no other reason for this celebration.

~take time to notice the little ones...*

~keep in mind that big gifts sometimes come in small sizes...(a bed set for the twins 'guy house' daddy built two years ago!  Complete with a fitted sheet, a pillowcase, and a bedspread!)

~taste and see that the Lord is good (and so are cookies made from scratch!)...

~pray for family far away from you and the Father's heart, reminding Daddy God of His promise to send His angels to care for those who will receive salvation...our loved ones!
Hebrews 1:14

~allow the Spirit of God to set your heart ablaze with His love

May the graciousness of our God overwhelm you as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child!

She will give birth to a son,

and he will be called Immanuel

(meaning, God is with us)."  Matthew 1:23

*this little girl was sitting so sweetly in a Dollar Tree cart with her puppy next to her just as sweet and calm...I had to take a picture!

Oh, to live deeply in the moments...

For eleven years, the hand-made Styrofoam ball Nativity set has journeyed with us.

For the first time since they were unwrapped by pudgy little fingers on Christmas in 1999, baby Jesus is receiving fresh hay...grass grows for the manger; seeds planted from kind acts.  So many more seeds need planting for his bed to be full.  We have time.

In a heartfelt cry of gratitude, I shout my thanks:

~celebrating my mommy's 82nd birthday, delighted to be in her company

~a Christmas party where I received a Mannheim Steamroller CD I'd wanted forever~

~moments of tender affection

~an afternoon spent alone with three little onesI love dearly

~the sentries that stand guard, seen and unseen

~glimpsing His peace on her face as she dreams!



~one last week of seat work

~library videos to watch over vacation

~being able to live in Texas, yet fond memories of living on the 102 acre farm and the beauty of snow EVERYWHERE--but just Christmas time; not for six months-not good memories! 

~being able to pray on the phone for my dear friend Nancy's daughter in NY, taking her boards today

~preparing to burn wood in the fireplace as the temps drop

~tickling my boys

~one boy deciding to write in cursive on his own!

~wisdom from above to counsel a friend and his brother during a conference call while the little children played quietly under my feet

~gazing on His nature and the brilliance only drawing me nearer His heart

~receiving compliments

Have a great week as you prepare daily for His arrival and His return!

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