22 days

 
I was thinking today about people I know who have lost loved ones and how this can be such a difficult time of year.  I have thought about how they are there for each other even though they also hurt.  Then I wonder that in their being there for the other person if that helps ease their pain.  What do you think?
I also know that when we do give to others how wonderful it feels.  We can tuck that feeling inside our heart and hide it from all except God who sees everything.  I want to do it different this year.  Admittedly, I am one of those who has got caught up in the Christmas hubbub and have not given Christ the spot He deserves.  I hope that I can share His love more with others not only this season but beyond.  I know that those of you who stop by are wonderful givers because you do so when you go around and visit other blogs leaving a message of encouragement or just making others feel good because you were there.
Christmas blessing to you all!

A very dear friend received this from Africa last night.  I wanted to both share it with you and proclaim it over all of you as well.  Such incredible blessings ! !  Hugs and Merry Christmas,  Holly (thanks, Ellie, for letting me use your words)

Its Christmas day in Africa already. When He resurrected, those who were dead were seen walking in the streets. HE IS BORN. Let new things be birthed in your life. I speak new Ideas. I speak open doors and opportunities. I speak healing to relationships, to marriages, to sick bodies etc. I speak restoration. I speak promotion. I speak increase and expansion, growth and establishment. receive it all child of God in Jesus mighty name. Hallelujah.
Blessings and Merry Christmas,

Happy Pink Saturday and Merry Pink Christmas to you! Linking today with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday and Faith Grace and Crafts
Please come in

and sit a while

you must be tired from all of the Christmas hullabaloo!
Can I offer you a cup of something to warm your heart?

photo from nicolehill.blogspot.com

 I don't know about you, but I'm dreaming of...

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!

Blessings,

Going Green...kind of

I was trying to think of something creative and inexpensive, (okay....free) that I could do for outside decor.  Being one to see "potential" in everything, I decided to take a walk down the block to a rather large branch that had been blown from a tree.  The wind can be challenging, but they say there is good even in unfortunate conditions.  That being said, here is what I did with the branch.  It is outside our front door welcoming guests that may come for a visit.

 May God Bless Us Everyone!

Blessings,

Stylish Blog Award

I am so excited!! This is my first award EVER. I am honored and humbled. Thank you to Cindy at Custom Comforts for awarding me this Stylish Blog Award. Be sure to check out her blog. She is amazingly gifted and freely shares her ideas with her readers.

1. Thank and link back to the person/persons who awarded you. Thanks Cindy!

2. Tell seven things about yourself.

So here goes ~ seven things about myself you never knew before:

1. I love creating things – especially dolls! I used to be afraid to paint their faces and now I can’t wait to get to that part so they can tell me who they are. Creating in my “studio” (also referred to as the unfinished part of the basement is like going to my happy place).

2. I love, love, love pink. I have a pink step stool, pink Kitchenaid mixer, pink phone cover, pink rings, pink vacuum (kidding), but you get the idea.

3. I love listening to classical music. It takes my mind to creative and relaxing places. I also like listening to Christmas music. I have been known to begin listening to Christmas music in July.

4. I grew up in rural Colorado, lived in Denver, Atlanta, Charleston, SC, and back to Colorado. If I could live anywhere I would choose the mountains because I love the peace that it brings to me and I like cold weather.

5. I began a website about a year ago called Woman of Hope. It is an online marketplace for likeminded women to display their blog, etsy, website, etc.

6. I love dogs and have two entertaining and “lively” Springer Spaniels to prove it. I think that God must have had a good time creating dogs.

7. Years ago I taught a therapy group and encouraged the students to bring something that seemed like a piece of junk and the challenge was: Don’t see if for what it is but rather what it can become. I know that I am a work in progress. Like that piece of junk, I am glad that God is transforming me. I am most thankful for God’s grace.

Christmas Present

I'm so far behind on my posts. I'll make this one brief and then try to play catch up later this week. Oh yeah....I forgot....it's the week of Christmas....prob'ly not....have church tomorrow morning, open house in the afternoon and cantata that night....I have something to do Monday but I can't remember. But, I do remember that it is my oldest son's birthday and we will be Skyping that day to hug him via Skype. I am so blessed with wonderful children! Tuesday I go to a dear friend and fellow dollmaker's home to learn a new way to paint eyes - can't wait! Wednesday I am having an open house at our house....somewhere between now and Wednesday I need to decide the menu and what I am cooking AND clean....that's kind of a biggy. On Thursday I go to Denver to pick up my other son who is flying in from Montana and then driving home. On Friday we will have a Christmas eve service and Saturday is Christmas.

How about you? How is your week looking? Oh, and I learned something today...I thought I would share....holidays have been difficult for me for the last several years because of life's circumstances. However, I learned something today from my monthly study that was most helpful. Jesus is going to show up that day and I have a choice whether or not I will show up....I get to decide what my attitude is...I get to decide whether or not I am going to live in the past or in the present. I have decided to live in the present. I have decided that I will embrace today, this week, the people that come and go across my path. How about you?

It's a tough life...

I am sitting in my hotel room in Vail, CO writing this right now. Today and tomorrow I will spend at a conference here at the Vail Cascade Resort learning and being inspired. Outside there is snow, the air is crisp and I can hear the shops calling to me. Come on 3:00 so we can go to downtown Vail and enjoy all it has to offer. I love the mountains, the snow, the charm of mountain towns. I will enjoy this moment in time. Have a blessed day everyone!