The End of a Decade

The last day of 2009, the last year of a decade. My husband stated that he hopes and prays this coming decade is better than the last. You see, we started the last decade finding out his dad had pancreatic cancer, and after three short weeks, he wasn't with us anymore. In this past decade, we lost his grandparents, and my grandma, our first dog, and numerous close friends and relatives. There were jobs lost, and new jobs started. We moved from our home of 17 years to a new town, and we had to start over. We have faced many challenges, many heartaches, many changes. We have also had many times of laughter, love, growth, blessings, discovery, and joy. This decade also brought along my two nieces, whom have given us a lot of laughter and joy. This decade brought along a new level of understanding God, and more how my relationship with Him should be, and I have grown so much in my relationship with Him. It is now a daily, moment by moment, life style I choose to live, to breathe, and to permeate my life. Before it was more of a duty, a thing I did because I was supposed to, and when I gave time in ministry it was more about 'look at me' instead of look at God! Christianity isn't about how you are when you are at church. Christianity, being a follower of Christ, is how you are continually, when the 'church people' aren't around. It's about living a lifestyle that is honoring to the Father. Yes, I slip and fall, but I get back up, with the grace offered to me through Jesus, and start over again.

I have found new friendships in this decade which will be forever friends. Even though distance separates two of those relationships, I know that they are just an email or phone call away, and we are there for each other. This decade has brought me a new understanding of my health, as well, and how to better take care of myself. This decade has had many lessons for life, some easy, some very difficult, and everything in between. This decade has also taught me that life goes by extremely fast, so live each day intentionally, with joy, and without regret. I have learned to see beauty on the bright days, but I have also learned to find beauty on the dark days, if I make myself look hard enough. One thing with loving photography, I think I have learned to look at things a bit different, and find beauty in the details, whether big or small.

Yes, a new year and a new decade are upon us. As I look forward, there are things that concern me about our nation, big things. As I look ahead, I think of my niece and nephew who are in the military and pray for their safety, as well as other relatives, and friends, and all our troops who serve this country. As I look ahead, I know most things that concern me are out of my control, and I know that I have to trust what God is doing. As I look ahead, I know there will be great times of joy and love and happiness, as well as times of sorrow and sadness, because that is all part of our journey on this earth. My job is to keep my center on Christ, to trust in Him, and to know that this life is just a temporary dress rehearsal for eternity. I choose the dress rehearsal that is preparing me to live with Christ, and I pray that you do as well.

As I look back, I remember. As I look forward, I trust in God to take my future and to help me live it for Him.

Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed. My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:17-19

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

What Faith Can Do

This song has helped encourage me, and remind me to keep my faith and hope in Christ on those days that are hard, or days I feel knocked down or beat up by the world. I hope it does the same for you.




“What Faith Can Do”
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You do have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That’s what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

My Mom's Quilting Projects

A quilt is a treasure which follows its owner everywhere.

So, I am not happy with the pictures I took of the quilts, but will post them anyway. It is difficult to get a good picture of a large quilt without a very large surface, or someone tall holding up both ends! Maybe I can get better pictures later for you to see the quilts in a much nicer layout. For now, this will give you an idea of what my mom accomplished in four months time! The top two are my nieces, and my mom used an old pattern. I don't remember how far the pattern dates back, but know it is several decades. She used my nieces faces on the parasol ladies.

Blankets wrap you in warmth, quilts wrap you in love.

Blessed are the children of the piecemakers for they shall inherit the quilts!


This is my sister's quilt.

This is my quilt, old fashioned garden theme! Perfect!

While these are all beautiful, the most beautiful part of them is the love and time my mom put into each piece she cut and stitched together. Each stitch holds cherished treasures that will wrap us in love for years to come. Thanks mom!

Those who sleep under a quilt, sleep under a blanket of love.

Christmas Overview

We had a great Christmas, and enjoyed time spent with family. We all went to church on Christmas Eve and enjoyed a wonderful service, with a great message that centered around the song O Holy Night.

The weather was very crisp and cold, and sunny, but there was snow on the ground so we had a white Christmas.

My nephew got us a Kindle. I think the shock on my face is still there! Wow. He works at Amazon, and when he was here this summer, he had his Kindle with him. I was fascinated that a little device could hold so many books!! I love books, and love to read!! The funny thing is on Christmas Eve, the two of us were talking and I was telling him how a friend of mine had a Kindle and loved it. We went on and on, talking about how neither one of us have room for books, as our walls and shelves are already covered with books. He said that is why Kindle's are so great because all those books fit inside this tiny little computer. I had no idea we would be getting one!! I have been having fun searching for free books to load on it, and am doing quite well. There are many classics that are available for free, so I have downloaded many already. I definitely see a new addiction coming into my life! ha

My mom made me a beautiful quilt, which I will cherish always. It needs finished, but the top was done. My mom made four quilts since August for her daughters and granddaughters! Wow. I am going to try to get a picture of all four today to post on here tomorrow.

It was a great couple days spent at 'home' with family. Many wonderful gifts were exchanged, there was a lot of good conversation, and a lot of love shared. I am grateful for the time with family, and for the gift of Christ.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!

I am wishing all who read this blog a peaceful Christmas filled with love and many blessings. I pray you take time to read Luke chapters 1 & 2 in the next couple days and really focus on the real reason for Christmas. Have a wonderful Christmas!!

Focus

"UGH, I am so ready for Christmas to be OVER!" I have lost count of how many times I have heard that in passing this past week. One day when I was really remembering and missing my Gram, I half way agreed with that statement for a few moments, but then I remembered how much my Gram loved Christmas and how she would not want me to feel that way. More than that, it came to my mind how Christmas is about Christ, and if my focus for the season is on HIM, I shouldn't be dreading Christmas. If I stop, and focus, if I stop, and remember, if I stop, and worship, the correct perspective of Christmas is brought back to my mind and my heart. The night of Jesus' birth, the shepherds were told by the angels to go, and they left everything, their sheep which were their everything..their livelihood depended on these sheep, but they left to seek the newborn King, and to worship. Am I willing to do that, to leave all the hussle and bussle, all the craziness, the things I think need to be done for Christmas and stop and go straight to Christ and worship? It's tough with all that the world has made this 'holiday.' God never wanted it to turn to this circus that we as humans have made it, He didn't want us to dread the birthday of His Son, but to be still and know He is God. To be quiet and focus. To stop, and sit at His feet and to be thankful for the GIFT He gave us. Where's your focus as we wind down to Christmas? Are you one saying, I wish it was over, or are you saying thank you, thank you for the ultimate gift, of a Savior? The true spirit of Christmas should never be over, it should live in our hearts always.

John Eldredge wrote some great thoughts on Christmas and I hope take some time to read it. The link is on the side under blog list, or you can just click his name at the beginning of this sentence, and it will take you there.


In spite of the many benefits God has blessed us with, how many times do we complain about little difficulties and trials? We lose sight of the big picture and fail to appreciate the really important things. Just as we cannot benefit from a wrapped gift under a Christmas tree until we open it, so gratitude can be seen as our way of opening the gift of God's love intended by all the small and big events of our lives. Ronda De Sola Chervin

Scenes of the Season

This is the gingerbread house made by my nieces. They are 5 and 6, so I think they did a great job! I am proud of them!




Over the past week, we have experienced a wide variety of weather from below zero to snow to freezing rain, to rain and melting. On those colder days, I captured some of the scenes. I also warmed up on one of those days that was at 10 degrees for a high by escaping indoors to enjoy a the beautiful poinsettias at Manito Park. It felt great to admire some flowers!

The big boys and the little boys were enjoying the artic air by playing some hockey on a small pond in Spokane.

The Word With

I am working on a post with pictures, but time constraints have been challenging. I hope to have it up by tomorrow. In the meantime, this devotion from Max Lucado came to my inbox and I thought it was fitting as we prepare for Christmas. I hope along with all else you are preparing for Christmas day, you spend some time preparing your heart, and spend time focusing on the reason we REALLY have Christmas.

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14 NKJV

Don’t we love the word “with”? “Will you go with me?” we ask. “To the store, to the hospital, through my life?” God says he will. “I am with you always,” Jesus said before he ascended to heaven, “to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20 NIV). Search for restrictions on the promise; you’ll find none. You won’t find “I’ll be with you if you behave…when you believe. I’ll be with you on Sundays in worship…at mass.” No, none of that. There’s no withholding tax on God’s “with” promise. He is with us.

God is with us.

Prophets weren’t enough. Apostles wouldn’t do. Angels won’t suffice. God sent more than miracles and messages. He sent himself; he sent his Son. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

While You Were Sleeping

Christ In Me

Christ in Me
by Max Lucado

Like Mary, you and I are indwelt by Christ.

Find that hard to believe? How much more did Mary? No one was more surprised by this miracle than she was. And no one more passive than she was. God did everything. Mary didn't volunteer to help. What did she have to offer? She offered no assistance.

And she offered no resistance. Instead she said, "Behold, the bond- slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

Unlike Mary, we tend to assist God, assuming our part is as important as his. Or we resist, thinking we are too bad or too busy. Yet when we assist or resist, we miss God's great grace. We miss out on the reason we were placed on earth-to be so pregnant with heaven's child that he lives through us. To be so full of him that we could say with Paul, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." (Gal. 2:20)

What would that be like? To have a child within is a miracle, but to have Christ within?

To have my voice, but him speaking.
My steps, but Christ leading.
My heart, but his love beating
in me, through me, with me.
What's it like to have Christ on the inside?

To tap his strength when mine expires
or feel the force of heaven's fires
raging, purging wrong desires.
Could Christ become my self entire?

So much him, so little me
That in my eyes it's him they see.
What's it like to a Mary be?
No longer I, but Christ in me.

From the book Next Door Savior

Where's Your Center?

I overheard a couple gals in a store the other day saying how Christmas is only for kids, that kids are the only important factor about Christmas, and if there aren't kids around, there's no point in celebrating Christmas. I have been thinking about that, and while kids can make Christmas fun and special, they are not the reason for Christmas. Well, I take that back. ONE baby, one child is the reason for Christmas. Christmas is not about presents, it's not about cookies, it's not about a perfectly decorated home and tree, nor is it about cards and letters, or parties. Christmas in about a baby. A baby born in a stable in Bethlehem. It's about God sending down His son for you. For me. It's about a life being brought into this world to save mankind from their sins. Yes, it helps to have a childlike wonder as we think of the baby in the manger, and we worship Him for His gift to each of us. Unfortunately, many children in this day and time we live in do not know about the child who came for them, and they miss the wonder of His birth, the star, the shepherds, and the angels. They miss the miracle of a virgin birth by a young woman who was obedient to God, and favored by God. They miss the teaching that Christmas is not about how much they get, but how much was given for them. Children are not the only ones missing this message. Most of our society is missing, forgetting this message. Many hearts have been taught about Jesus, but many have let presents and worldly things replace the true meaning of this season. His presence. Many shift their focus, and Jesus is the last thing that most people think about at Christmas. We allow our hearts to get so preoccupied with busyness, to do lists, and decorating that we forget to stop and remember why we celebrate, we forget to focus on the manger and the baby who came for one reason....to save you and to save me. I am guilty of running so fast, I forget to stop and worship. I am guilty of busyness crowding my mind and not taking the time to focus on the true meaning, the only reason that matters, for Christmas. God has definitely been working on me the past few days and trying hard to center me, to show me that none of that matters, just Him, His Son, His Word.

My heart has been experiencing grief over the way I see how Christmas is being treated, and how Jesus has been forgotten. He waits. He waits for us to turn our hearts towards Him, and to remember, to focus on the manger, to remember to draw peace from Him as we sit in wonder of what He gave for us.

My center has been off, but it has come back to where it should be. Jesus. Where's your center this Christmas? What is most important to you? Where's your focus? What do others see when they look at you, and how you treat this Christmas? If you are a believer, do they see Jesus? If you aren't a believer are you willing to truly search out Jesus and explore the Bible for the gift He has given to you? It's all there, His love poured out across the pages. The book of Matthew or Luke would be a great place to start your journey.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:6-12

The Great Christmas Tree 2009

Once again, we have a large tree. Yes, 14 ft. tall to be exact. My hubby had to cut a good foot from the top AFTER it was in the house and in the stand. Yes, he left a large green streak across the living room ceiling as he put the tree up. There are 1200 lights on that tree! We could not put the beautiful blue ribbon garland on the tree, as it would have only covered the bottom quarter of the tree. So, it's loaded with our ornaments, which are full of memories, as they have been given to us by loved ones. My parents and grandparents gave us ornaments every year as we grew up, so we had a lot of ornaments when we left home to start our own homes. The tradition continues within family members so we do not have a shortage of ornaments around here, which is why my hubby thinks we always need a gigantic tree.

Our tree gathering involved us, my sister and her family, my cousin, and my parents. We all found our trees that day, enjoyed walking through the woods, and of course, playing in the snow. A number of snowball fights broke out throughout the afternoon. There wasn't much snow on the ground, but it was enough for making a mini snowman, snow angels, and snowballs. We had a great day and enjoyed a lot of laughs.

Guess who is about to get this snowball, even though she's holding an expensive camera?? Six year olds don't seem to care when it comes to pelting an aunt with a snow ball. haha

Making a snow angel

Weekend Recap

This will be a short post, as I have a spotty connection this morning. I am typing from my laptop, as our power has been off for some time now. It's at or below 0 outside, to top things off. My hubby was supposed to be in Spokane by 7 am this morning, but since the power was off, and we did not set alarms on our cell phones, his alarm clock did not go off at 6, but his internal alarm went off at 6:30, so it was a very rushed morning for him. I was out collecting wood from the wood pile, and thankful we have wood heat to stay warm, before it was even light out this morning. It's painfully cold out there today.

The show I did over the weekend went ok. I didn't sell much, I don't think too many did, but got to see a lot of old friends and catch up so that made it worth it. The night before the show, I got to spend some time with my sis and really enjoyed that time. We don't get much sister time now that I am an hour away, so those couple hours were precious moments of time for just the two of us. I also enjoyed a rice crust pizza at Second Avenue, which is always a tasty treat!!

Yesterday we braved the cold and ventured to Spokane to meet up with my hubby's brother and his wife. They live in central Washington, so we only see them a couple times a year. We met yesterday to exchange gifts and catch up a bit.

It was a very cold, busy weekend, but it was a good one, with time spent with people who matter and are important to me. I am thankful for precious moments of time with family and friends. Now, I need to go check that fire and make sure it's still going as the house is getting quite chilly!! Happy Monday.

Nieces, Lights, and Pictures

My nieces are here today. They spent the night last night with great anticipation of going to see the house that dances with lights to music in Post Falls. The anticipation quickly turned to sadness as two little girls were deeply disappointed that the house was dark. I would say one adult was disappointed as well. I love Christmas lights, and since discovering that house two years ago in Post Falls, we look forward to going over, tuning in the radio station, and enjoying the show. The next fifteen minutes were filled with why's from a five and six year old in the backseat. We ventured to the Resort, where I had only planned to look at the lights from the car since it was 21 degrees, but since the pleas from the backseat were to go walk out and see the lights, I agreed. The girls were met with warm hugs from Frosty and Rudolph who were handing out candy canes out on the dock. The three of us did not go far, as it got so cold none of us could move our faces!! The lights were beautiful, as always, and helped to ease the broken-heartedness of the dancing lights house. We did find one on the way home in Hayden that plays music and the lights go with the music, just a scaled down version of the big show in Post Falls. They enjoyed it, so that helped! We came home, curled up on the couch, looked at the lights around our neighborhood through the window, and enjoyed popcorn and tea that the uncle waiting at home made for all of us. Now, I am getting ready to head to Sandpoint where I will be at a show at the fairgrounds tomorrow with some of my pictures. I am a bit nervous, as my pictures are very personal to me, but when my parents brought it up, I figured I would give it a try. I have a lot to do before tonight's set up time, so better gather up the girls and head north!

Friends

Last night I was blessed to spend almost four hours with a special group of friends. In September, I was the common link to all but one gal. The others had never met, or had only met a couple times. We came together to do the Captivating study by John and Stasi Eldredge, a book and study which I highly recommend all women get, read, and really chew on what she talks about in the book. It's a great study and even better when you go through it with other women. Our group did not meet last week because of Thanksgiving, so we were all happy to be back together and catch up with each other. Our group has become a close knit bunch of friends, who support each other, pray for and with one another, and encourage each other. I missed last week when we were not together, and something in my week definitely seemed to be missing.

It's important to have others in our lives, who can help us out when we are struggling, who can celebrate with us when good things happen, who can hold us accountable when we go off the path we were on, and who are there to laugh and cry with us through good times and the tough times. I have had a hard time in the past letting others in to my life because of past experiences of betrayal and backstabbing. However, when you seek out true friends and use discernment, you can be richly blessed by letting others into your life, to see the real you. I am grateful for a group of diverse woman on Tuesday's who have all become good, trusted friends. I am thankful that God brought a group of woman together, who through other circumstances would not be a group of woman who would have just become friends easily, but HE knew what we all needed and HE brought this group together, for love, support, encouragement, and friendship. I needed that. I think others in the group did as well. Before this group, I really only let a couple people in to the deep depths of my life. One lives in Moscow, my dearest and closest friend, and one is in this group. I am thankful for Godly women in my life. I am thankful for friendship.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12

Overwhelmed

It's that time of year where I start to have panic attacks, especially this week after Thanksgiving. I think of all that needs done for Christmas, how I don't have the house decorated, the cards that need written and sent, the packages that need wrapped and sent. I feel overwhelmed that I have so much to do, and all I want to do is have the house decorated and sit back and enjoy, and focus on true meaning of Christmas, a babe in a manger, Jesus. I don't know why I put myself through this every year, but I do. I don't know why I get overwhelmed, but I do. I want things to be 'perfect' in my home as we celebrate our Savior's birth. It's quite dumb on ny part, actually. It's self-inflicted hysteria that I bring upon myself. All my Savior wants from me is me. He doesn't care how big the tree is and if all the ornaments are perfect, he doesn't care if I have everything perfect in my home with all the decorations, or if the outside of the house is lit up better than or equal to the neighbors. He just wants me, my full heart, to focus on Him. He wants all of me. As this week moves on, I am going to try to bring that focus daily, sometimes, minute by minute to be on Him and the real, the true reason for this time of year, which is CHRISTMAS, Christ's birth. I pray that your hearts are calm as well, and not overwhelmed by what WE have made this season. Come before Him as we celebrate his birth with peace, and focus on His gift for all of us, His birth which led to His death for each of our sins.

Peace-Filled Drive

Today I am thankful that my computer is finally working, again. I got up to a computer that was not working correctly, so I went off to my appointment, then went for a drive. Most of the area was socked in with fog, but our area, and an area lake were not, so I decided to take in the sunshine, and runaway to do for a bit from the Thanksgiving prep and house cleaning that I need to finish . I'm glad I did. The temperature hit 50 while I was at the lake. Like I have stated before, I relax at the lake and seem to forget about all the stuff going on in life while I take in the beauty of the water, the wildlife, and all God's creation, along with the quiet. Today's drive reminded me to be thankful for the little things, and to see beauty in all things. I was reminded that God is in the small stuff, as well as the big stuff going on in my life, and the lives of those I care about, and that He never leaves our sides. I was reminded how I need those quiet times, as well.



I had my faithful companion, my dog, with me, and she enjoyed the drive as much as I did.





I am thankful for the pocket of sunshine, amidst the fog today. I am thankful for the quiet time I had at the lake. I am thankful for the beauty in all I saw. I am thankful I have a car to take on a drive. I am thankful for times to rejuvenate my soul. I am thankful for the ducks and geese I saw. I am thankful for the houseful of company we are going to have tomorrow.


















I thought these turkeys were pretty brave to be running around in the open the day before Thanksgiving! There was a total of 16 in this bunch.