A Time of Peace

One of my best friends, gave birth last Friday, Dec. 19, to a baby girl. On Christmas Eve, we got word that the baby was diagnosed with some sort of a terminal disease. They don't expect her to live but a few short days.

I didn't sleep much that night as my thoughts and prayers have been with my friend and her family. I cannot imagine what they are going through.

Today, I saw this friend's mom, Carla, in church. Carla is another one of my best friends. I saw God today in Carla. I don't know that I have ever seen anyone exude the Peace of God that passes all understanding than I saw in Carla today. She was at total peace. She is also a walking testimony of God's amazing Grace. I am moved once again as I write these words as I picture Carla in my mind.

As we approach this new year, I fear that we are in for some tough days ahead. If you listen to any kind of news, you know it isn't good. Where do we turn when times get tough? What do we hold onto? I want Carla's peace. And that peace comes from the Rock that is sure and strong, and unmovable. That Rock is Christ.

"Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace,

Over all victorious in its bright increase;

Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day,

Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest;

Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest."

My New Year's Prayer for You:

"Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means.

The Lord be with you all." ~2 Thess. 3:16

Have a Very Blessed New Year!!

And PLEASE remember to keep Carla and her family in your prayers.

Back to the Blog...

I did not intend on taking a break from blogging. Time just seemed to get away from me, as it always does this time of year. There seems to be so much going on and between school and church activities, plus family and friends, it seems like we go non-stop!

We had a very nice Christmas. My parents come over for Christmas Eve. We enjoy lots of little snack foods and cookies. Christmas Day we go out to breakfast with my parents as we have done for the past 10 years. Then back home for presents with the kids and later, over to mom and dad's for dinner and more presents. It was low-key and nice and relaxing.

This week, in addition to New Years, we celebrate two birthdays in our house. Today is our youngest son, Jacob's 16 birthday. Wednesday, our oldest son, Joshua, will turn 23.

Christmas Feeling

Today it is COLD with blowing snow! This kind of weather makes me feel so Christmasy! (is that a word?) I think we finally got the house decorated. It took a bit longer this year because I've changed so much around. It was a fun challenge, though.

This is the hutch in my kitchen. All decorated with treasures...a few new ones but some old and very treasured things too.

Sunday was the start of our "Christmas Concerts". With all the kids being in different schools, we make our rounds to attend all their concerts. This year we have three on the calendar. Josh's was Sunday...a Christmas celebration entirely in German. Un
fortunately we had to miss it thanks to a back/hip problem I've been experiencing. Tonight is Emily's and next week is Jacob's. They are always alot of fun and have always been a part of our Christmas experience.

Christmas Outside The House

Yesterday afternoon, Cliff & I finished up the decorating on our front porch. We did it a little different this year and I absolutely love it!

The Norman Rockwell picture is a fabric panel I bought years ago and embellished with gold and silver glitter fabric paints. I've used it for at least 13 years and it has held up surprisingly well! I just love vintage looking Christmas decorations.