Finally, I can Share!
For Christmas, I’ve been working on zippered bags that a friend recently taught us to make for a craft day project. I went a little nuts and decided on a personal bag for everyone in my family as well as several friends. It took me many painstaking hours because I don’t sew much. Cutting all of the fabric was fun, since I enjoy chopping things up. Along the way, I learned a lot about sewing machines, thread quality, and exhaustion.
The best part of the holiday project was spending time on each one thinking about that person, memories shared, and prayers for all good things to come for each and every one.
When my sister saw that I’d made one for everyone, she said something to the effect of, “Will you ever sew again?” The answer, went something like this, “Maybe, but not right now. I’d like to see some dust on that machine first.”
The Best Part of Holiday Dinner
This is the place setting we had for Christmas Day dinner. The napkins even came with coasters, so cute!
The dinner was delicious, and too much was made on purpose. Why? Because the very best part of shared meals is leftovers.
I really, really, really don’t like cooking. I give thanks for leftovers! The cooking can be avoided for a few days. Yeah!
Christmas Day 2013
Wishing you and yours a joyous Christmas. May the feeling of Christmas remain in your heart all year long.
Christmas Eve 2013
Wishing you a festive Christmas Eve! This night has always held much anticipation for me. Seeing family, giving gifts, taking photos, sharing photos, enjoying meals with loved ones, reading stories of Christmas, and watching Christmas movies all make this time of year special, and this night exciting with anticipation. The work is complete, and now it is time to celebrate.
With the house decorated, we often set off for the Christmas Eve service at church (weather permitting – of course). This year’s service was just as joyous as those in years past. A time of delightful anticipation with singing, the story of the Christ Child, and seeing beloved friends. There were two awe inspiring solo’s this year. One by a woman pregnant with her first child sang a heartfelt song of what Mary was thinking in leading up to the birth of her Savior. The other a traditional hymn sung by our own talented Hayden. He is the grandchild of longtime members who have always said how great their grandchild was. Now that he’s a regular in our services, I know they weren’t bragging – just stating a fact. A fact that lead to a chorus of “Amens!” after his song was sung.
Of all the Christmas hymns, the one I think of all year is the third verse of “Away in a Manger”. Here are the words:
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there.
The Nativity
In downtown Kalamazoo during the Christmas season each year, you can find the Nativity. Near life-size pieces represent Mary, Joseph, the angel, wise men, shepherd, and, of course, baby Jesus. There are even sheep, a camel, and a donkey. I’m sure I’m leaving someone out, but it is not intended. There are other decorations in the park, and I appreciate that most of them stay the same from year to year.
Something else that stays the same over time is that, eventually, someone will steal the Christ Child. Other times, there will be someone’s personal blanket warming Him. I understand both of these – one in the sense that everyone should want to have the Lord with them, and the other that it’s cold in a Michigan winter, so there’s a longing to keep the child warm.
May you be warm with the babe in your heart this Christmas season.
Christmas Card Lane
There is a sight to see in Kalamazoo around Christmas time. It is Christmas Card Lane. It’s a street where many of the homes share the holiday spirit by putting out large “cards” in their yard to send greetings to all who pass by at the holidays. I’ve included a couple for your viewing pleasure…
Christmas = Peace
Three years ago today I took this photo. This, for me, is the meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Cookies – Yum!
It’s the Christmas season!
There was a cookie walk at church where each person who bought a tin could walk around a room filled with home-made cookies and fill the tin.
The stores are all selling those delicious ginger/molasses cookies that cannot be turned down (at least by me).
Gifts are coming in with moist, rich chocolate chip cookies.
Your boss took you out to eat … next door to the cookie store which has irresistable and luscious cookies (and some cookies made it into your car).
There are treats at work … including cookies.
I could eat cookies for all three meals and be perfectly content … except for the belly ache.
I think I’ll throw in some fruit, veggies, dairy, and protein to balance it out as side-dishes throughout the day.
Humor Happens 