Goodbye and Thank You 2011

While reflecting tonight with my family on what 2011 held for us, I was awestruck  with appreciation for the joy we experienced.

There were, of course, difficult and painful times. But—-they were tempered with tremendous contentment and gratitude. The pleasures were numerous, inspiring, and fun. We learned deep lessons about expectations and disappointments. Yet, walked away with an even deeper lesson about trusting God’s timing. And it was good.

Thank you for reading my blog, I am humbled. I appreciate your companionship as these life lessons are recorded here. May you be richly blessed in this coming year. Welcome 2012. Looking forward to seeing what is on the road ahead…

Vintage Village- Childhood Christmas In A Box

A very special box arrived today for Christmas. In our family, my grandparents had a little chipboard village set up under the tree every year. The tree was perched on a special tiered wooden stand Grandpa built into a corner. On each level fluffy batting provided a snow covered landscape, and each house was placed with figurines dotting the town by Grandma’s hand.  As a child I remember spending precious time on the floor, carefully observing each piece and imagining where they’d spend their time. I am sure my cousins did the same… This set dates at least 1965, and you can tell by the wearing of the paint on Santa’s sleigh that it was well loved. This year the set was parceled out as precious gifts. Aunt Kathy, Mom, and Me. I found out that my mother lovingly said to send her part to me. Now that is love.

My Grandma collected these when her own children were at home. Remember S.W. Woolworths? The original dime store? The price on some of the houses indeed asks for a price of 10 cents. The accesories in the village were largely bought to be decor to adorn packages…Grandma says it is amazing they have held up at all for these long years…

And my call for Vintage choir pieces was answered…surprisingly with a choir of Angels from my own family!   ”Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for I bring you good tidings if great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, Christ the Lord.’ ” Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas, count your blessings, remember what we are celebrating. “God bless us everyone…” as Tiny Tim said… Thanks Grandma, Kathy, Mom. I love you deeply and consider you treasured gifts in the foundation of my life.

“Retro” Sugar Cookies

This week allowed a fun filled day of making cookies with plenty of children. We all had a blast together, and used the old cookie cutters from my childhood. Yes…I almost cringed when the kids talked about these being “old” with big eyes as only a 6 year old can do. The 70′s are old? Who knew?

My memories of making cookies with my own family as a child are priceless. I encourage you to try this simple recipe and make some memories of your own. It is messy, loud, and fun that’s true. But seeing a child delight in their one of kind artistic creation is worth it! One important tip, the butter must be softened to have a good turnout.

Easy Sugar Cookies via allrecipes.com

•                    4 cups all-purpose flour
•                     1 teaspoon baking powder
•                     1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•                     1/2 teaspoon salt
•                     1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
•                     1 cup butter, softened
•                     1 1/2 cups white sugar
•                     1 egg
•                     1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•                     1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

1.                     Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla and sour cream until well blended. Stir in the sifted ingredients. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill overnight.
2.                     Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3.                     Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why The Nativity?

I have been reading a book by David Jeremiah called Why the Nativity? I have plenty of books about Christmas and wasn’t expecting to learn so much. In truth, I learned more about Christmas, the heart of it, in this small book than in all of my 41 years of life. It asked, and answered, questions I didn’t even realize I was missing. The kids even read through the short chapters as Bible time this month. That good, and surprisingly something I picked up off a sale rack a few years ago. This year I hope to follow the directive of this author, “staying busy with the work of Heaven.”

We Don’t Have To Answer For Christmas

I was invited to witness an exchange last week between two people, we’ll call them A and B. Person A was sending an email out to let people know, again, why he chooses not to celebrate Christmas. This man tells all who will listen about his devotion to God, yet can sometimes offend by his statements. Person B listened, and responded. I found this exchange to be interesting enough to share, with permission, because it highlights words often heard. The response of B seemed thoughtful and reminded me that our goals as followers of Christ is to share His teachings, not preach our own gospel.

Person A:

Hi … not to make any mad or spoil your season, but couldn’t pass sending this link (…..) to you for review.  If nothing else you’ll see why I no longer celebrate Christmas … you can leave it or you can challenge me.  It’s your call …  I’m not trying to convice anyone to see my way … you decide what is truth and what will honor God.  Bless you and I mean just that, according to His Word and according to His compassion, Person A

Person B:

technically- all this info is not new news….but being technically right does not necessarily touch hearts or change lives. Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth and life should be for us -every day. but as the verse says…for God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son- that whosoever shall believe in HIM shall have eternal life….it does not say- that whosoever believes in the right doctrine or correct facts about historical evidence of christianity. be careful  that you become so intellectually correct and historically accurate- but lose the hearts of others and the spirit of the One that created and fulfilled the law. I am not trying to make you mad or spoil your season either….maybe instead of not celebrating christmas at all….one should celebrate it every day of the year???

Unfinished

It has been a lifelong frustration of mine, unfinished projects.

The longer I live the more there are. For the first time, I am looking at this in a new way. These projects aren’t signs of failure, they indicate personal creativity. I am a planner, a list maker, AND a complete free spirit. Seems unlikely doesn’t it…

Today while bustling around trying to decide which project to work on, I had to laugh. For all the longing to have things “checked off”, not all things work that way. Dishes, laundry, writing a letter, paying bills. These are tasks with more defined endings. When a creative project is begun on the other hand, it is impossible to foresee where that will lead.

I often sign up for creative online classes. Which, I might not finish because I see another one that sounds equally amazing. Click. Which leads to digging through drawers. Find. Things long forgotten and tucked away might remind me to record family memories. Write. Another day is done.

Is the time wasted?

My husband has suggested to me that finishing one thing before beginning another would ease the confusion. I am known for letting go of three life pursuits only to find 10 more. What can I say…except….Thankful. What a privilege to find so many things interesting! Moments to spare most days, just devoted to creative delight.

Unfinished projects seem more beautiful cast in the light of a journey. Each step means something. Teaches something. Relish the unfinished.

 

Christmas Countdown Clock

http://www.xmasclock.com/