Vintage Girl 901

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

A Different Kind of Christmas

My Friends, it was a different kind of Christmas for me.

I did what I always said I'd never do again,

participate in the hustle and bustle of the season.

I had decided when moving to Nashville that

this was my season of joy, peace and rest.

Well, circumstances change and life happens.

Working outside of the home was a necessary change.

So, it was rush here, rush there, plan this, attend that,

cook, clean, host and now I am totally exhausted.

I loved on my family and sat and enjoyed their joy,

but my joy was dampened by a cloud of sorrow.

Some of our best friends back home lost their 2 month old grand baby.

A precious couple from our career class, lost their baby.

I don't mean to dampen your holiday spirit,

but I would like for you to read her blog,

and write an encouraging note to Mary Michael and Kyle.

The blog is called,

Brayers Prayers

The above is the post about their Christmas without Brayer.

If you read from the beginning, you will feel their heartbeat.

I would encourage you first to read the following,

Let Me Know If You Need Anything

Mary Michael gives first hand advice about what to

say and what not to say to someone in their time of grief.

I went home this weekend and saw our friends,

the paternal grandparents of Brayer.

I wasn't able to see Mary Michael and Kyle who

live elsewhere.

Kyle was like my little boy growing up.

He has my son's build and every Sunday I'd go up

to him and say, "Let me hug you. You hug just like my boy."

When he and Mary Michael started dating, she became my girl.

I never got to hold Brayer.

I never got to see him smile or feel his fist around my finger.

I never got to snuggle with this precious angel, but

there are so many more "nevers" for mommy and daddy.

I hope you'll support them with your on-going prayers,

follow her blog, encourage her, but listen and pray more than anything.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Jesus is the Greatest Gift

Tonight we will continue our tradition of

Christmas with the Family.

As Daddy did before us, and Granddaddy did

before him, we will read the Christmas story.

I was always frustrated with the children when they

were little and I didn't feel like they were listening.

It's just too hard for little ones to sit still with

the anticipation of gifts under the tree to open.

I think it's okay for us to share in the joy

of watching them open gifts.

This year, we will do it a little different

in a way that they can understand.

We will tell the Christmas story using

our Little People's Nativity.

I'll let them hold the characters as if

acting out each part of the Greatest Story Ever Told!

I will tell that that Jesus is indeed The Greatest Gift.

Yes, I will tell them that the presents under the tree

represent the presence of Christ.

Because Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Merry Christmas to You and Yours!

Monday, December 19, 2016

Our Christmas Cantada on Sunday was amazing. We have a small choir with BIG voices. My son and daughter-in-law sang together. It was beautiful. I had my whole little family together and I can't tell you how good that felt. My daughter and son-in-law singing along with them was music to my ears-literally!

We had plans of going caroling as a family but everyone has a busy week and Harper's sick anyway.

I received the NOEL banner yesterday from the Children's pastor. She does craft camps 2-3 x a year. She's amazing. I asked her if I could blog her home. She agreed. I hope I can find the time.

I got the peppermint candy candles yesterday from my Sunday School class as well as a Bath and Body Works set.

Another friend who has become like a prayer partner with me made this ornament for me. It has gold painted acorns inside and this verse attached,

God has filled my life with godly women through my blog and church. I am thankful for the gift of friendship. This is one of God's greatest gifts to me.