And the Leaves of the Tree Are for the Healing of the Nations

 

 Joyful

 There's always time to dig in the wet winter dirt!

He teaches me everyday to find joy. Simply.

Thankful

The old flooring is out. In with the new. Soon!

Believing 2013 will be a year of hopeful building.

Mindful

 The adornments are off, but it's still breathing life into our living room. Breathing life into me. And I realize, I live waiting and watching trees. I mark off days and I store up moments by the twinkling fir that lights advent nights. The twinkling fir is approaching death, but even then it shines the message of light and life. Just beyond the fir, in the fresh air, is the huge maple that captivates us year round. Its' winter branches store up energy for spring. Life will soon burst forth.  Dormancy, decay and death will not reign.  I sit and savour these trees, for their leaves bring me life.  They remind me to live.

Revelation 22: 1-5

Eden Restored

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.  No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Choose to Skate, When You Want to Scream

Doing our best to keep skating, when all is not as we hope it to be. 

It can only get better! We trust.

Epiphany and Me

You, Lord, are my light; you dispel my darkness.

2 Samuel 22:29

 Photo by Lewis Larrson

image from Wikipedia

Epiphany, she slipped in unbeknownst to me. I didn't notice her arrival. I only noticed her presence. I knew not how long she would stay. Would she go away? She said, "Only if you banish me, will I go away. I am for all. I am for you. Let me shine through and through." And so she floods my mornings and my nights. Epiphany, she gives me sight. Epiphany, she lets in the Light.

Light

The Egyptians could not see each other, and no one left their house during that time. But the Israelites had light where they were living.  Exodus 10:23

He sends light to places dark as death. Job 12:22

There are those who reject the light; they don't understand it or where it goes. Job 24:13

The LORD is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The LORD protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.  Psalm 27:1

You are the source of all life, and because of your light we see the light. Psalm 36:9

The explanation of your teachings gives light and brings wisdom to the ignorant. Psalm 119:130

No longer will the sun be your light by day Or the moon be your light by night; I, the LORD, will be your eternal light; The light of my glory will shine on you. Isaiah 60:19

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. John 1:5

Happy New Year!

My prayer is that 2013 is filled with abundance.

His joy, peace and hope. 

Holding fast to each other and His promises. 

 You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.

Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

~ Isaiah 26

Favorite Advent Moments

Lighting the Night

Isn't he the cutest elf ever?

Working hard this month to embrace one another in both tough and tender moments.

Gaining confidence and courage through pageantry.

The biggest elf begins work. I went to bed at midnight. He at 3 am!

Quiet Christmas moments.

Wishing for this, but grateful for whatever God bestows.

New boots and new books.

Capturing the moments. Savoring.

Advent Birthing

Because Advent is about waiting and Advent is about birthing. As the New Year approaches, may what has been birthed in you this Advent blossom.

Advent Birthing

In the manger, dark and deep
there lies a babe, who cannot sleep.

The animals sing a song of warmth.
Breath hangs in the air.
Life hums.

The babe, does he know?
Does his sweet face show?

He, the hope of all.

His mama sings a lullaby.
She knows. 

Yes, she knows.

This babe, her babe, is gift to man.

All men.

Every man.

She snuggles him close.
She'll cherish his days, his cries
his laughter, and his sighs.

Waiting is over. 

Expectations and hopes met.

Fulfilled every moment.

Full.

 
No longer pregnant with expectation, but birth.
Life. Breath. Hope.
Reality.

He grasps her finger.
He reaches out.
He will grip them.

They grasp. 

But will they grasp Him?

His fingers extend to the world.
Healing in his touch.

 Miracles occurring in the darkness.

And out of the dark shines light.

The day is beginning. 

Dawn rising bright.
 

Hope of all life.

Grasp Him.

A poem written last year for our piano teacher's Christmas birthed newborn son.

Dad's Toy Shop

A darling story about the joy of a Christmas filled with togetherness.

Each year about this time, I try to make myself scarce! Dad's toy workshop is about to begin in our garage. Simple gifts flow from that space, but not without an abundance of complications, groans, and laughs. The kids each gift each other with something dad and they have made for the other. The anticipation for these gifts builds for months and it's great fun.

However, I am NOT a crafty person. Therefore, I'm thrilled when I find a craft that is fun, easy to do, and turns out as promised! We've enjoyed these lovely ballerinas.

Snowflake ballerinas

We are also working on a wee bit of painting.

Here's a fun idea.

Cooking roasted chestnuts tonight after enjoying some yummy ones last night at the 100 Candle Solstice Dinner. 

I hope to make these soon, Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. 

Happy crafting and cooking!