Stop, Look & Listen

It seems like days since I've been meaning to just relax and have some cozy down-time at home.  But there is always something more that can be done and before you know it the day is gone.  Today (even thought it's afternoon), I'm putting a stop to it all.  Yes, I'm ignoring the basket of whites needing to be sorted and the clothes on my bed to be hung up.  Of course, there is more laundry that can go in the wash and floors to be mopped too.  A new batch of homemade liquid soap is trying to call my name.  The list goes on.

But I'm stopping, right here, right now.  I'm ignoring it.  I'm enjoying the cozy home God has blessed me with and listening to the peace of doing nothing. But you must understand that I count curling up in my chair with a good book, some Christmas music and knitting as nothing.  And oh, will it be good.

I hope you are finding time, especially during this holiday season, to slow things down, take in the real peace of Christ, and learn a little bit more about being all there, where ever you are.

Not Just Christmas Lights

I have been so blessed by my kids' desire to tackle the project of hanging the outside Christmas lights.  Last year, my oldest did them all on his own.  This year, it was a collaborative effort, from getting the lights out of storage, checking them, replacing bulbs, and finally hanging them.  They have let the true Light shine and I am so pleased.

.....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

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.

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.