This book (see above) by author and speaker, Susie Larson, is my morning quiet time devotional book starting December 1 - 24th. Ms. Larson is an excellent 'wordsmith' in that she phrases things so artfully, so appropriately, and concisely. She fascinates me. I'm inspired to improve my writing after reading her daily email devotions.
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| screen shot of a recent devotional |
If you are interested in subscribing to her daily devotions, click on this link for more information (it's free).
So, with that introduction, I am preparing my heart for this Christmas season and also unpacking our decorations for the house. Instead of my usual habit of devoting one blog post to a "house tour" with our decorations, this year I think I'll just include snapshots as they happen, along with whatever else is worth writing about. I may be blogging more often but with shorter posts (or not!). 🤭
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| downtown Ocala, Florida |
The white Christmas tree that we have been positioning in a garage window that faces our street has yellowed a lot. Last year Gary thought about replacing it, but I talked him out of it. This year it was more evident to me that the tree had seen better days. (note the bottom branches) I spent much of the morning removing all of the ornaments (red balls, white balls, and plastic crystal icicles).
A pair of those icicles have been multi-purposed into winter earrings for me! (just kidding -- they are too long!) The balls have been used in other decor.
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| my Christmas wardrobe |
While I'm on the topic of decorating myself for the holidays, my seasonal shirts and tops have been unpacked. Some of these were bought in Colorado, which means they are 10-15 years old! But when they are worn only one month of the year (and here in Florida, worn only if the temperature is cold enough!), clothes can last a long time!
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| Excuse the glare on my son's photo; I couldn't get it to erase without giving him a black eye! LOL! |
Speaking of clothes, my readers may remember last Christmas when the miniature Santa hat found Michelangelo (or did we decide this is the Old Testament David??).
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| our living room Christmas tree |
Returning to the topic of Christmas trees. I put some of the white balls from the discarded white tree onto the green tree. I bought this tree in 2021, after I had decided I was done with a 6-foot tree. I love being able to store this tree with a large trash bag placed over it, ornaments still on the branches. But the white balls made it "pop!" and I like the look.
The majority of the red satin-thread balls from the white tree are now in a pail beside the front door.
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| from Hobby Lobby |
When I shopped at Hobby Lobby recently, I found this treasure which became an impulse buy. It's Gary and me! When I got home and showed him my purchases, one of the first things he said was this was surely "blog fodder." Of course! The red-and-white striped rug they (we) are dancing on is a woven placemat. I bought just the one because it looked like a rug but it's too busy of a design for our dinner plates.
Since I've waltzed us into the subject of romance, here is our mistletoe that we hung from the ceiling fan in the living room. ❤️❤️
My nativity scene is on the coffee table this year. The wise men are coming in from
With the 5-year anniversary of Tom's entrance into Heaven having come and gone, I am feeling a sense of release from sorrow. Oh, to be sure, I will always miss him and be so very grateful for the influences he had on my life for over 50 years, but reaching this 5-year anniversary is a milestone.
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| photo edited for privacy reasons |
This Christmas season is more joyful for me. Shedding the 'sackcloth', so to speak, is freeing. Letting go of negatives that have hounded me and giving myself permission to embrace the true significance of Jesus' as my Savior and Redeemer -- all of that is wonderful.
To You, O LORD, I called;
to the LORD I cried for mercy...
You turned my wailing into dancing;
You removed my sackcloth and
clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to You
and not be silent.
O LORD my God,
I will give You thanks forever.
Psalm 30:8 and 11-12
Until next time, grace and peace.
P.S. I'm trying out a new font, something more casual. It's called "Architects Daughter."
13 comments:
I like the new font!
Your home is looking very nice. I think we have the very same mistletoe. Mine was a gift from a former patient and I've always liked it.
It's hard to believe it's been 5 years since Tom passed. I've appreciated your testimony through those years sharing how God has been with you in every way.
Hello! Such a lovely and festive post today! I absolutely love the Santa and Mrs. Claus dancing!!! What a wonderful find! Have a cozy evening, my friend.
I love that new font you've written with here, Barbara, and the find at Hobby Lobby says it all about Gary and you. God never meant us to live in grief but in joy, and that's something He has given to both of you as you celebrate Christmas together. Rejoice, my friend, rejoice!
Yes, I like the new font, too! It's a bit festive!! My Joe's 5-year date is not far away and it is hard to believe it's been that long, but it is freeing. Our guys would be proud of us, I think. I love all of your photos and decorations (so far)! I need to take a few photos here, too. I seem to put out less and less each year, though. Wishing you so many blessings in this wonderful time of year!! xo
What a sweet post! That Santa and Mrs Claus are adorable and yes, I thought of you and Gary. The red ornaments look good in the container. Good idea!
While grief and sorrow will always be a part of our lives here, God invites us to bring our grief to Him so we can experience His comfort and joy and you are experiencing now!
Keep resting in His love and grace. God bless.
I love the dancing Santa with his Mrs. So fun! I love seeing the way people decorate for Christmas and your home looks lovely. I also like Susie Larson and might order her book, although I'll have some catching up to do. I follow her online and agree her writing is like poetry. Have a great day!
Fun impulse buy. Gary caught on quite quickly on what is Blog fodder. :) The Lord has brought you along in your grief and suffering in a beautiful way. Looks like you are preparing well for this Christ focused time of year! Blessings.
I love the holiday pictures you shared in this post, Barbara. The new font looks lovely and is easy on the eyes.
The dancing Santa is cute and fits you! Mom always loved Santas. I think the kids got enough of them that she was not too disappointed when moving. My Auburn tree is white and I noticed it is yellowing as well. There is enough on it to disguise it for this year, but I will need to buy a new one for next year. The little ones love it, so I will keep doing it. I of course think every year about doing less, but the grandkids are at the age where they love to see it all. I am glad you are looking forward to the season!
Oh wow! Your town does look so pretty all lit up!
Aww! That is a shame that the tree has turned yellow but I love your seasonal shirts and tops. Your little tree is so cute! What lovely ornaments you have and the nativity scene is just precious!
Oh wow! Ocala really does it up right for Christmas! I remember that when I worked downtown...it's beautiful even in the daytime, so maybe a ride into town during the day would be just as festive for you...and lunch on the square somewhere...I forget the names of the places, but there are some nice ones.
I LOVE your Dancing Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus! They are perfect for you and Gary! And I love how God is giving you that joy deep down and overflowing once again. (((HUGS))) Your little tree is so festive and pretty, and I guess the white tree is long gone now? Maybe you will find something else to light up that window. I am slowly doing some decorating, but have to wait for someone to come help bring all those huge red totes full of Christmas decor in from the shed before I can finish the job. I sure love those red totes, and am so thankful for where they came from!!! We've definitely put them to good use! Thank you! We wish you and Gary a very Merry and Bright and Happy Christmas season. Yes, Jesus IS the reason for the season! May we always rejoice in HIM.
Love all the pretty Christmas decorations. I like your new font. I've been getting bored with mine and have been thinking about changing it up someday!
Dear Barbara, the new font is very nice! I absolutely love all your photos, dear friend. I love Winter and Christmas...and snow as well, and your photos and posts are always a joy to see and read! Thank you so much for sharing.
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