Merry Christmas

The Trees

Why do we have so many Christmas trees in our home? Growing up we only had one in each of our homes. The first years of our marriage we had one--in the main room of the house. Today I counted 15---and I suspect there is another one hiding somewhere. They're all shapes and sizes. Some have elaborate decorations, while others look more homespun. One tree is dedicated to domino ornaments from several swaps. One tree is devoted to nativities and angels.

None of the trees is particularly large, but I like effect of a miniature Christmas forest. They're easier to decorate, too....and much easier to store. (Allergies, pets, and fear of fire preclude real trees---besides they are expensive!) I also like seeing Christmas everywhere I turn. Every tree has its own collection of memories on it. The ornament Caty Mae created in pre-school Sunday school is there. The clay ornaments from Carrie's kindergarten class are displayed as well. Corinne's love of music is represented by a multitude of trumpets and pianos.

Then there are the gifts of ornaments collected over the years. The 12 bells from Roswell New Mexico, blown eggs from Eastern Europe--before the fall of communism, olive wood ornaments form Israel, beaten metal from Mexico...each one is significant.

Handcrafted ornaments are always happily displayed. Besides the domino ornament tree, there are ornaments of puzzle pieces, altered CDs, paper clay, origami, and glass balls filled with potpourri, tinsel, or glittery paint.

Each girl has her own set of ornaments--one for each year. Those they will take with them when they have homes of their own. The girls also have tiny trees in their rooms--decorated with tiny lights and ornaments.

There is certainly no lack of Christmas spirit here. Every tree reminds us to be grateful for the blessings God has given us---family, friends, a beautiful world, a hope for the future, and a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

May your days be merry and bright.....

The Season of Giving

This time of year is often overwrought with stress and busy-ness and other decidedly unpeaceful pursuits. Yet Christmastime should be an opportunity to reflect on the events of the previous year, gratitude for the blessings from God, and a distinct focus on the holy.

With that in mind, I want to give you, my readers, an opportunity to reflect and give. The first five people who comment on this blog will receive from me a handmade gift. The only quid pro quo is that you pay it forward by adding this same opportunity on your own blog.

Take time for peaceful reflection every day this month and give thanks for the gift of CHRISTmas.

The Colors of Autumn

Each season has its own glorious colors. Autumn, even in Atlanta, comes with scarlet and gold and blue. It's too easy to be so busy that the colors come and go unnoticed. How sad to think that we allow the "tyranny of the urgent" to keep us from enjoying the fleeting beauty before us! Each season with its colors offers reasons for us to lift voices of praise to the Creator who has given us this gift of color, eyes to see, imaginations to understand, and hearts to appreciate the wonder of it all.

the Reason for the Season- a puzzle

I enjoy collaborative art projects, and this particular project will be part of my Christmas decor. The artists who worked on this altered puzzle came from all over the US. I love that it all works together even though the only perameter on the project was the title: The Reason for the Season. It's a little illustration of how God uses his children. We are all so different, yet we become a single work of art called the Church. Each element is important and tells part of the story. Any missing piece is obvious. Put together we are whole.

Thank GOD for non-conformists

Just a rant on the journey----

It strike me as both sad and ironic that the unique people among us are so often rejected by "traditional" people even as the "traditional" people mourn the lack of new and fresh ideas. Jesus embraced the outcasts--why don't we embrace the non-conformists among us? I am thankful that, while man looks on the outward appearance, God looks at the heart!!

In Memory of Dorothy Mae Cook

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I created this memorial scrapbook page honoring my maternal grandmother who died of the disease in 1953. She was just 40 years old.

While early detection and advanced treatment options have vastly improved survival rates, an estimated 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States during 2007. An estimated 40,460 women will die from breast cancer. It is estimated that 2,030 men will be diagnosed and 450 men will die of breast cancer during 2007.

My grandmother left a legacy of an unwavering faith, love of family, and a passion for teaching and literature.

and DISNEY

We couldn't have asked for a better vacation: MGM, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and a CRUISE!

Romania

There aren't enough words to express the joy and blessing of my trip to Romania. God moved in a mighty way among the women who attended our seminars. I hope to return.....