37 days of Christmas: day 18

I had the pleasure of going to a Christmas contada tonight. The music was lovely and well thought out with the readings of the Christmas story. Earlier today, for the first service, I played the bells! I love how people jumped in this past week to fill in the missing pieces. Music brings us together....always has in history and always will. 

I encourage you today to enjoy some music. I know I've said it before, but there truly is nothing more enjoyable! Find some friends or family to join you! 

37 days of Christmas: day 17

This Christmas is pretty special, because John proposed, and I accepted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

37 days of Christmas: day 16

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, 
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." ~ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

37 days of Christmas: day 15

One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is about Elijah. In 1 Kings 19:9-12, it talks about how the Lord spoke to Elijah. He did not speak in a great wind, earthquake, or a fire...

...but in a gentle whisper

With the stormy winds today, I was reminded of how much I love this story, and how God has been speaking to me like that recently. I expect Him to come in the great wind, the earthquake and the fire, yet He always comes in the gentle voice. 

That is how Jesus came into the world, not with fanfare or fancy celebrations, but with a quiet entrance.  

Take some time to listen for Him today.

37 days of Christmas: day 13

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the Nativity scene downtown every year! They always set it up under the Christmas tree, and on the other side of the square, they put up a Menorah as well! It reminds me that even in the big cities there is still good, even in the hearts of those around us there is still good!

Silver Bells

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling) hear them ring (ting-a-ling)
Soon it will be Christmas day

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling) hear them ring (ting-a-ling)
Soon it will be Christmas day

37 days of Christmas: day 14

One of my favorite traditions is to sit by the tree in a quiet evening. Today Ansel joined me and is still currently purring happily.😊 Even if you don't have a tree yet or don't do one, I encourage you to find a quiet place to sit away from the hustle and bustle. You'll be relaxed and at peace!

Romans 15:13 (ESV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

That is my Christmas prayer for each and everyone of you!

37 days of Christmas: day 12

Christmas ornaments....sparkly, unique, homemade, ancient, brand new, special to one person, favorites by another....

Each of them have a story....

One from a store, another made years ago by a grandma and her granddaughter, one made in recent years, one treasured because of the special glass.

Some people may see the tree for the decorations and the ornaments, but I see it for the memories....

....each as unique as each ornament....

37 days of Christmas: day 11

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the pretty lights!!! I encourage you to take a drive one night with friends or family so you can enjoy them!!!

37 days of Christmas: day 10

Upcoming is the darkest, shortest day of the year. The sky is dark by 4:30pm. Yet only a couple days after this dismal day, the Christ is born! He brought light to a dark world, and shows us this in His word.

John 1:1-5 (ESV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The days before Christmas may be dark, but rejoice! The Light of the World is coming!

Psalm 19:1 (ESV) The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky aboveproclaims his handiwork.

37 days of Christmas: day 9

Something I love about Christmas is the music. It draws people together, brings them closer together, and brings such joy!!! I encourage you to enjoy some Christmas music today!!

Psalm 98 (ESV) Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
    have worked salvation for him.
The Lord has made known his salvation;
    he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
    to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
    with the lyre and the sound of melody!
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    the world and those who dwell in it!
Let the rivers clap their hands;
    let the hills sing for joy together
before the Lord, for he comes
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with equity.