Keeping Christmas

As I wrap these last few gifts, I'm thinking about past Christmas celebrations, when I couldn't do my own shopping, decorating, wrapping, cooking....

Those few years were stolen away by stroke...

My heart was full, but my body couldn't respond. 
My Awesome family took great care to "keep Christmas" in my home and in my life.

I am blessed with healing, love, and a future. And I am so thankful...This Christmas, take thought for ALL the little things and... Fall asleep counting your Blessings.

May the Peace Christ brought to us reign in your heart as you "keep Christmas"

Westward Leading Still Proceeding

In an old Christmas Hymn, we sing about three wise leaders bearing gifts...As with any trip or journey, I'm sure many obstacles came along to block their way.  Things ment to distract and discourage.  The  things that can keep you from your destination!  Yet, in the song, we sing that they traveled far...over field, fountain, and mountain...they followed...the star.

They brought significant gifts!
Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh...These symbolize
Highest Value...Sweet Fragrance...Bitter Salts...The significant things the savior would experience.

We too experience these...

So, as you walk through this CHRISTmas time, hold on to the the reason we do all this celebrating. 

The King was born to remove the barrier between men and God...As you bless your loved ones, remember you are loved...with an everlasting love... What star are you following?           

God Did not send His Son into the world to condem it...but that the world
 "through him" would be saved ...John 3:17

 

Checking it Twice

Well,  are you feeling the stress yet?
Checking your "digital" list... 

I need a list just to get my coffee
in the morning...:)

Others are blessed with an awesome ability to keep it all together and breeze through effortlessly...Getting every detail checked off with Gingerbread on top! We all know someone like that.
    
E-list or old school, keep it light, and Smile...
You'll feel better and look 10 years younger, and who doesn't want that...:) 

Merry CHRISTmas...Shopping...Wrapping...Baking...
Shopping...Shipping...Card sending... Shopping...Caroling...Thanking Loving Praising...
Spreading Peace on Earth...Goodwill toward Men!
                                

Marvelous light

Last Friday a meteor flashed across the Houston sky!
Wowing us without significant warning. When I saw this
I thought...oops the Mayans made a mistake, their prediction isn't accurate...:)

The heavenly sky's are on my mind this month as we walk through Advent...the preparation to celebrate...    

Marvelous light...brighter than the brightest star... was sent to bring peace and goodwill to men. Although the ancient event was long foretold... suddenly ordinary men were surprised, as the event unfolded with spot on accuracy. Seems pretty human...some prepare...others wait till the last minuet.  

We can believe the Mayans, or, something much more mysterious and powerful.  We really make it harder than it has to be. 

The sages told us in prophecy...that he would come...
they named the place and times.   As you prepare to celebrate this year, celebrate the King, the Light of the world.  His love and purpose are still the same!
I hope you invite him to the party!

Glows and grows

Modern day Christmas decorating just wouldn't be the same without lights.  We love the twinkle, and sparkle in every corner and window.  We love the touch of starlight everywhere!

We compete over the "best" display on the block.  We ad a little more until we get it looking just right.

Year after year the tradition grows and glows...The more the merrier...

But there is nothing more frustrating than getting all the lights on the tree or house or banister...only to have them stop working!  "But I checked each strand"... we exclaim..."Every last bulb"

Some times its the last thing we check...The power source...

So if  it's the cord, switch or timer...no power...no light...

That was the true light which shines upon every man as he comes into the world. He came into the world—the world he had created—and the world failed to recognise him. He came into his own creation, and his own people would not accept him. Yet wherever men did accept him he gave them the power to become sons of God. These were the men who truly believed in him, and their birth depended not on the course of nature nor on any impulse or plan of man, but on God.  John 1:9-13

Star Light How Bright

There is something terribly romantic about "Starlight!"
It's compelling nature draws us, and lingers in our memories.  It provides a beautiful backdrop for many wonderful moments. 

The evenings when the stars come out before the sun is fully down...

Long nights walking with your sweetheart dreaming...
while they silently ad a unique touch of drama...

Darkness is
dispelled by their splendid display,while we search for constellation's and the North Star.

Travelers have navigated the world, guided by stars...
And, a certain trio of men followed one...
to the brightest spot in time... When...
 "the light of the world" began to shine.  
John 8:12   I am the light of the world  -  Jesus

Dark Night Bright Light

I love to go star gazing.  The vast, expansive, depth of wonder, captures my attention like little else.
The delicate strength of the night sky
leaves me breathless...
It's movement, its silence, it's faithful consistency. 
It's  brilliant reminder of ... greatness!

It brings comfort like a blanket...lovingly, constantly covering the earth!

It is as diverse and detailed as each one of us!

Yet, many lights blind us from it's beauty! 
Problems, emotional distractions, health, finances...
All familiar because we ALL have them!  Our world seems darker than ever...

Before another night passes by...
take in it's reminder....

The Darker the Night The Brighter the Light!

Let "your" light so shine...that it bring Glory to the
"Heavenly" Father...

^14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matt 5:14-16 msg

To Stuff or Not

Some "Turkey Day" traditions call for "stuffing the bird" others do everything "on the side"... 
Well, really we all do a little stuffing...

Throw that old offence, out with the bones...let it go..

Think Less...Thank more.

What ever is on "your" back burner...Take it to the giver of life...Give thanks with a grateful heart...

Happy Thanksgiving

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Same Old, Same Old

As I think about this year gone by, there are things that I never dreamed would have become an issue.  Yet, so many things that have brought joy and reason to be and thankful. 

With the new year rapidly approaching, take stock of how much tread-mill running you are doing.  The same old, same old really gets you nowhere fast. "Boring"! Just one step in a direction outside your comfort zone, can make big difference.  Give a toy, donate a coat, supply some groceries. Buy a Vet a cup of coffee. Spread some of the good you have, even if it's been rough for you.  

Cast your bread on the water, it will come back to you on every wave.

And the King will surly say, As you have done for the least or the politely ignored, you have done for me!

good bad glad

So many of us don't really "do" Thanksgiving anymore.  Oh, sure we may eat a wonderful meal with all the trimmings, and enjoy the holiday with family or friends.   Many of us make the effort to travel "over the river and through the woods" or from "sea to shining sea"...
but then what...football.. a nap and now shopping!

As the holiday approaches,  take some time to assess where you are and who you are.  Where you are going, and where you have been.  Give some thought of those who have made a difference in your life. We take so much for granted. Be thankful to God the true giver of life.

Count your blessings name or list them...
 Be thankful and show it!..."give thanks"!
 
Through the the good and bad, grab on and be glad.

Be thankful in all circumstances...it shapes you and works for your good!

Make That Change

Four More Years...

Well, where ever you have looked for change, the results are in!

No matter who our leader is,  change can never happen if we don't work together. We are one nation so, 

For the Love of our nation, wipe the steam off the mirror, take a good long look, and make the "personal " change it takes.

Get involved...help a cause
Stop talkin smack...it comes back
Pray for our leaders...
                 even if you never have.

Make a difference, Make a change

Celebrate you!

 Have you found your niche' yet...Thought about it but...
Well what are you waiting for?

When you are reminded of something you have been putting off, it's time to ramp it up.
Just one small step will get you on your way.  Don't wait ...next thing you know, it'll be a pipe-dream.

There is a Dream down inside just waiting to dawn...celebrate you... Today is the day!

Do your best and get more rest

Are you waiting for something...expecting the results of your hard work?  Something that seems just beyond reach?

Maybe its a job or promotion...

Or, for your business to soar...

Maybe you are waiting for that special someone to come along...or for the long sought after change!

What you are doing while you wait can make all the difference. Little things can keep the anxiety at bay!     

Look at where you are and be grateful.

Do your best and get more rest... 

Help someone...and,

      Enjoy how far you have come...It will help  

      keep your attitude in balance.

The puzzle pieces "will" fit together!

  

As vital as the Dream or goal is, the time spent getting there can be more satisfying than you may think. 

Today may be THE  day! 

Delight in God...He'll give you your hearts desire!

                          

From the "Inside Out"



Everywhere... there is a cry for change. Its impossible to escape! We crave it and complain about it sometimes in the same breath! We love it and we don't.

Seasons come and go...







This tree is a great exam

Special tree in an ordinary neighborhood.

ple: Although hard to see, the colorful change came from the inside out. Something to think about...

Don't become so well adjusted to the culture that you fit into it without thinking...instead focus on God. You will be changed from the inside out.

Rom 12...Message



Time to Hibernate?

The winds of fall have hinted their arrival. Rainy evenings have released an arrow of bitter cool, reminding us of what will press in.  This is my least favorite part of our changing seasons.  I love the color and its warmth, but cool damp drearies I can do with out.

The sting of bitterness will affect all of us at one time or another. No matter what the weather, it has a covert mission. It goes deep under cover and consumes our joy. It hibernates!

 As Autumn's beauty fades, and we gravitate to our fleece, fireplaces and big screens, give some thought to what's eating away at your joy. Are there sour bulbs you may be planting?  Let the warm fire of  Gods love soothe the wound and ease the sting.  

"keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.  A thistle or two, gone to seed can ruin the whole garden."...Heb 12:15 Message

Soon the dry cold will come...

Rocky Road

I remember driving down a long entrance road to a lake resort.  It was about a mile long and the very definition of "wash board"!  It was rocky and dusty and it took forever to get to the end! The car felt like it would shake apart. But just the mention, brings back thoughts we all have of "Rocky Roads"...

Issues come along in life, and doing the right thing isn't always easy.  Sometimes it's so clear it screams at you!  However coy, it usually comes with a consequence. 

So when you find yourself between a rock and a hard place...do the right thing...you'll know!

Funny thing about that  Rocky Road,  after it was paved, the memory became just that ...

Autumn Beauty...

Walking in the leaves...such a pleasure!

I remember warm afternoons, walking home from school...Hot Cider and Hayrides! The dry crunch, the rustle of trees blowing in the gentle wind!

Autumn will soon be bursting forth it's beauty!

As we approach this change in season, take a walk and be mindful of the beauty 

It's all around you!

oops...too late! :)  

Walking Not Fainting

Well, they say this is the last 80 degree plus day we will have for a while, and I just came in from a wonderful walk in my neighborhood.

As I walked, I thought about how thankful I am for another coat-less day,  the beautiful blue sky, and my faithful dog.  Not terribly long ago, walking my dog was on my "to-do" list as a goal.  At that time just walking was like training for a 5K. 

Life after Stroke is difficult for sure, and just like any storm, things are forever changed.  But don't let life's storms keep you down, thinking...

Has God lost track of me? Doesn't he care what happens to me?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
    He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
    And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
    gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
    young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
    they walk and don’t faint!...  Isa 40 Message
Keep walking one step then another!

Stuck in the Mud?

How many times have we ALL been a negative Nancy. We get stuck in the mud and no matter what we do or how hard we try,  we just can't seem to reach our "boot-straps".

If you have a habit of expecting poor service, it effects your expectation each time you go out to eat, visit the pharmacy, or get your car serviced. Our Mom's called it a "chip" on our shoulder...
Not sure this is you?  Well ask yourself,  when was the last time you started an encounter with a smile and a compliment?

If you notice the negative,  and find fault,  you paint yourself into the "nothing is good enough" for me corner. 

So, what am I saying?  What you notice is evidence of what you are thinking about...and it will come out...

in our mannerism's
body language, tone of voice,
phrases, comments, and humor...

And, negativity is contagious! What goes around, comes back around!

So how do we become a more Positive Polly?

1. Don't make snap judgements.

2. Re-train your brain to look for the good. 
3.Think of the other person as more valuable.
  
Change your thinking Change your Life

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it
                 Love your neighbor as yourself.

Ready for Fall?

Everyone has a favorite place or two.  It may be where they have had great childhood experiences.  A place where time stands still.  Well Northern Michigan does it for me. This summer I have been able to "Flip-Flop" down little town streets and La-Dee-Dahaa across beautiful beaches! 

Memories have been stirred and the sense of blessing has been raised to new heights.

So, as Summers breezes cool to Autumn
winds, and as sweaters and jackets replace sunscreen and tank tops, I am thankful for every minuet...for every bay beach and bonfire...
Ready for Fall? Never:) :) :)

A time for every season under heaven!
Thank your Lord, for your awesome creation!

Brighten the Cornor Where You Are

I love neutral decor.  It allows you to showcase your special gifts, snapshots and unique things that make your home sing your song.  It lets you put color where it's needed and light in dark corners.  It welcomes you and comforts you and makes you feel "right at home!"  

Is life becoming cluttered with too much stuff?  Busy schedule, too many irons in the fire?  Is it keeping you from really singing your song? 

This fall, say yes to one less thing.

 Do not wait to shed your light afar, Brighten the cornor where you are!

I am... the bright and morning star.    Rev 22:16

Summer Breeze

August has arrived and we have turned the pivotal cornor.  Soon the leaves will burst with vibrant color.  The La-dee-dahhha summer feeling will fade as we speed up the pace. Relish these days.

Not only will the attitude of our days change with the weather, but our focus will as well.

Don't leave all the casual openness of summer go down with the sun... No carry it with you. When the weight of your schedule winds up, be sure to greet those around you with the warmth of a June breeze and the calm of an August  sunset.

Summer Breeze makes me feel fine...

In a Blink

The beginning of

the day for some,

is the absolute best. 

They can't think

of any other time they

like more.

Everything is fresh...it's a brand new day!

For others the evening  really is the most

enjoyable!  Day is done

and the task list is complete. Time to relax.

Morning or evening

Summer is fleeting, so capture it's allure ...

thank you for this day oh Lord

                                                                       Gone...in a blink...so soon!

God's Glory is on tour in our skies, his craft on exhibit across the horizon. Pslm 19:2

How Important is it ...Really!

What nags and snags You?   

Is it a website, facebook or twitter?  Maybe a certain routine or pattern..."words with friends"...maybe your favorite "old-school" soap or TV show...

Mine is a made-bed, a sparkling sink, and "everything in it's place...OK...some web time too.

But usually, we put off doing a task or project in favor of that "thing"..."calling your name".

Anyway what ever the distractions, we all have them...
but if they begin to snag too much time, and nag at your schedule..."How important is it?  Really! :)

What's capturing your attention?

mat 6:33

Sky's the Limit!

What really motivates you...children, spouse, career?  What about Purpose...or dream? 

Have you found it or embraced it? Or, is it on a shelf somewhere?  If you haven't thought about it lately, I hope you become movated to believe it's possible to make it happen!

As you contemplate, decide to remain steadfastly positive!  Negative thinking just leads to more negative thinking!

You are well equiped to venture out...one step at a time!

 

The Sky's the limit!

A future full of hope!

Jer 29:11a

  

Crown Jewel

If you love Michigan, you no doubt know that The Grand Hotel on Historic Mackinaw Island is celebrating its 125th Birthday!

It opened July 10th 1887.  Wow!

Each time I visit the island, I come away with a feeling of fantasy...the history of a time I can only imagine.

The clip-clop of horse hoofs,

The busy streets and boat whistles.

You can almost see the debutante's of the past disembark the ferry boats and step into their waiting carriages.

The quiet calm of the straits, The view of the Bridge,

The gracious Grand Hotel stands, offering it's beauty and secrets to Mackinaw Island... the Crown Jewel of our State...

Truly Priviledged

 










TRULY Proud Americans...
And we love to play and bask in vacation mode! Escaping the daily work-a-day routine! 
Thoughts of capturing the tranquility of our favorite summer playground, soothe us as we soak up as much sunshine as we possibly can!

We play in freedom without fear...

Remembering summers gone by!

As our flag shields our freedom, our Service men and women shield our flag! 

Remember them, Thank them,

Pray for them!  Teach our kids to do the same.
                Happy Birthday!

          ...one nation, under God...
    indivisable, with liberty and justice
                          for All...
                                                TRULY  Priviledged

          

Silent Secret

June is an awesome month...not only do we see a seasonal swing,
but we also feel a certain calm. 

A cool lemonade on the garden swing, an afternoon nap in the hammok, the sound of wind chimes in the gentle breeze...


Summer days seem to last forever...yet gone in a flash...
It's her silent secret that keeps us craving more!

No Coats Required

  Ahh...Summer...I just love everything about it! 

Going bare-foot, the comfort of the sunshine,

the long day's and cool nights...

It just gets those memories rollin...   

Going to Camp...

Awesome family vacations...

Campfires...

That first Kiss!

I think "no coats required" is the real Reason! :)

After living in Michigan all my life,

scraping windows, shoveling snow, however beautiful...

the "flip-flop" life does it for me! :)