On the third and fourth days of Christmas...

the blessings I found......Decorating!

I realize this is only one thing, but in my case it takes several days if not weeks to decorate! I take forever. Then, when I get it they way I want it, Christmas arrives shortly after, so I really only get to enjoy the decorations for a couple days.

None the less, I love to decorate for Christmas, and I especially love looking in the boxes, to discover all the trinkets & treasures I forgot I even had. It's like opening presents with each lid lifted, yet without the cost involved and way more memories!

Once the house is decorated, it feels different..warm and inviting, yes a little more crowded, but some would call that a feeling of intimacy!

I also enjoy waking up each morning and seeing the tree sparkling with lights, and the smell of fresh pine. It's certainly a blessing.

On the second day of Christmas...

the blessing I found....SNOW! Even though it wasn't much, it's amazing how the weather can drastically change plans and cause us to slow down. Nothing seems so important or critical when faced with the possibility of driving on icy roads. Isn't it funny how all the plans that seemed to demand our attention... we HAVE to go here or there, can quickly change to...we can wait another day to go there, lets just stay home. I love how in the busyness of life, God can quietly get our attention and cause us to take a time of rest, though, in the moment we may not see it as a blessing, it really is! So...tonight, enjoy the rest and be thankful.

On the first day of Christmas......

the blessing I have found......Laughter!
What an amazing sound! I love hearing my children laugh, it floats through the house like a sweet melody. Then to hear the giggles grow into full belly laughter... it is truly a joyous sound. I can't help but smile to myself when those moments occur and feel so blessed.
I'm just curious about how God came up with laughter, though?
And I wonder.... does God laugh?
Well, since we are created in His image, I have to think the answer would be yes.
Keep looking for the blessings this season, they are sure to be found.

Christmas Is Coming!!

Christmas is coming, are you ready??
I don't mean the presents, food, parties and all the other busy work. I mean, Is your heart ready?? Each year, I promise myself that my family and I are going to simplify Christmas and keep our focus on Christ. And each year I get off track, or get caught up in all the preparations.
I want to try something a little different this year. I will be posting "The 12 Blessings of Christmas" on this blog. Each day, beginning on December 12Th, I will post a blessing that I or my family experienced during this crazy season, maybe even a picture to go along with it. I would love for anyone else to try it, leave a comment about what you found, or post it on your own blog. Maybe we can keep each other accountable to staying focused on the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Encourage your family members to participate along with you by looking for the blessing each day.
I am excited to get intentional with my Christmas focus!
I hope you'll join me.

I LOVE FALL!

I absolutely love this time of year! I guess I love every season in the beginning. Here are my top 5 reasons I LOVE FALL!

5. The amazing colors of Fall, the vibrant colors of red, orange and gold that adorn the trees. (This is the view from my front porch!)

4. The brilliant orange pumpkins that litter the fields.

3. The aroma of burning leaves in the crisp autumn air.

2. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies and pumpkin spice Lattes! (I know, that's really 3 in 1)

And, last but certainly not least, my most favorite thing about Fall is:

1. Pumpkin guts, which leads to pumpkin seeds!!

I never cease to be amazed at the God of the universe! We serve an awesome Creator who loves variety and beauty. And we have the priviledge each day to enjoy His canvas.

Be sure to take the time this week to check it out, I am sure you will not be disappointed.