White as Snow

The rain came down and washed the snow away. It's amazing how quickly it goes. But I was struck with how thankful I am that the blood which makes me whiter than the snow cannot be washed away. The landscape turns from pristinely white to mottled browns and greens, but as for me, I've gone from lifeless drab to snowy white.

Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat,
I wait, blessèd Lord, at Thy crucified feet.
By faith, for my cleansing, I see Thy blood flow,
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
James L. Nicholson,

.....Love, Jesus

Dear Beloved,

I so look forward to this time with you each year. The years seem to go by faster and faster.

I've been thinking about words quite a bit recently. That may sound strange, but I think you'll understand as I explain. See, words are important to me....My words have been recorded for you, I am the Word, the way by which you find me. By My word, grace came down to a lowly stable that you may receive a gift not earned or deserved, but my demostration of love toward you.

My hope is that you too will think about the importance of words. It is by words that you come to me, through your prayers. Words express your thoughts and feelings. Oh, how I hope you will take time to find Me in My words this new year.

But something very delicate and dear to me are also effected by words; the hearts of My children that I hold in My hands. I see the other side of words, the side that many can't see, not with human eyes, the way words penetrate to the core of the hearts I hold so close to Me.

I know you have a desire to please me and be with me. And as I want to be with you, I want to be with others also. You have the great privilege of being able to carry Me to all those around you. Thorugh you, I can touch the hearts of many. So remember this: "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer each one."

All My love poured out on you,

Jesus

Welcome a New Blog Sister

One of my dearest friends has now joined the blog world. I'm sure you will enjoy getting to know her family. Her quick wit and warm charm will surely touch your heart. She has been such a faithful friend over the years and now I'm so happy to share her with the world. So head over soon to meet Lisa @ Saner Moments.

Fellowshaking?

It's fun to create new words by combining two to make it shorter. Can you guess the one in the title? It's what you get when you spend a day of fellowshipping and baking with your sister! I think I'll have to work on that one.

After several hours of mixing, talking, snacking, sampling, rolling, dipping and baking, we could see the fruits of our labors: peanut butter balls, candy cane cookies, and Russian tea cakes. Yummy! Though we'll each do more on our own, it gets us a huge head start.

Most every year we stick to this tradition. Last year, we weren't able to do it and we all, kids included, missed it immensely. Our other sister often joins us, but not this year. She's not much for baking, but cleaning! Can't beat that, can you? A sister that comes just to visit and clean up behind you?! We are blessed! You can see why she's so dearly missed when she can't make it. :)

Now I can't speak on my sister's behalf, but I'm partial to the fellowship over the baking.....and I do like to bake. The spirit of giving lights the fire under this festive day, but truth be told, most of it's given to all the wrong places. Ahhhh, a great day leads to good sleep.

Out on the Town

Though I'm not the greatest photographer, they're still the best looking kids out on the town tonight. A dear friend treated them to a local church production of "A Christmas Carol". They were so excited to get dudded up and even ironed their own clothes! I love seeing how their styles are shaping and I must say that so far I'm very pleased.

They've just arrived home (shortly after 11:00 p.m.) and are bouncing off the walls with excitement. What a blessing. Time to scurry them off to bed and then myself.

As a child, I would be so excited to rediscover all those ornaments that had been tucked away for so many months. Each one had some special story or memory waiting to come to life again.

The kids have received lots of ornaments over the years, but this year I realized I didn'tever hear their stories. They are always excited to get them out and they have favorites, but I wanted to hear their stoires. Sometimes you just have to get the ball rolling. Amazing how a simple question can let the flood gates of memories open.

Boy 1: A glass santa ornament given by our sweet old neighbor lady (a.k.a. The Cookie Lady). We were returning something to her that we had borrowed when she surprised the kids with the ornament. We have moved away from her now, but we will always have precious memories of her love and kindness.

Boy 2: The "ZuZu Ornament". Every year, we enjoy watching "It's a Wonderful Life" together as a family. A couple years ago, we were able to meet "ZuZu" at a local Christmas fair. She had all sorts of memorabilia from the movie. After much consideration, we chose "ZuZu's Petals", a picture of her and Jimmy Stewart on her bed with the petals. If you've seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Girl 1: A frosted glass ballerina. I knew immediately why. It was a gift from someone who came into our lives with great hope, but now only faded memories of what could have been linger in this little girl's heart. Tears were shared and arms embraced. Bonds were strengthened and walls came down.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year.

The Clock Turns Back

The usual hustle and bustle of the day was joined by stuffy, gunky noses, sore throats and the like. We've been incredibly blessed by our Lord the last few years in avoiding major illnesses. I'm grateful that even now, thus far, it isn't unbearable. We'll see what the morning brings as they all slumber now.

Though it's been awhile, it didn't take long to get into the nurse-for-a-day rhythm. Drink this juice, take this vitamin C, drink this tea, lay down and rest, etc. It brings such a sense of mommyness, a break from the regular routine, a chance to nurse a little more than nurture. At their ages, I'll take these moments because for a short time the world stops spinning and it's like they are babes in your arms again. Those sweet faces with big doe eyes look at you and say, "Mommy, I need you. Make it better." Yep. You can keep on spinning world, but today the clock's turning back in my home. Tomorrow will come soon enough when they think they don't need me to "make it better".

Lights So Bright

I love white Christmas lights. I'd string them through every inch of my house, but I think I'll wait to do that when I become an old cat lady with 18 cats running around and sharing tuna fish with them. It's all about self-control, right?

Tonight, losing myself in the twinkling lights on the tree, I was filled with warmth and joy. Have you ever noticed that? How the beauty of lights can have that affect on us? Have you ever wondered why? Plain and simple, it's Jesus.

John 1:4-9 "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world."

Even for those who have yet found the way to let Him shine in them. He's there, waiting to be ignited in each of us.