Packing away "Christmas"

As I trudge through the week after Christmas, resenting the fact that it is now time to take down the all too dry and not so fragrant or noble fir, the twinkling lights that have brightened my evenings for the last month and the icicle garland that reminds me it is cold somewhere….. it is that clearing process that helps me to see the full beauty of my surroundings and all that I am blessed with every day! I actually look forward to the fresh look of clean surfaces and a home back in order after packing “Christmas” neatly away for another year. But I must remind myself that I am only packing away the beautiful things that remind me of this blessed season, not the saving grace that was born to us all so long ago!!

In looking for a scripture fitting for the new year and new beginnings as we face or welcome 2011, I was blessed with this from Malachi….

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi4:2 ESV

And thankfully then came across this bit of commentary….enhanced blessing!

You that fear my name – those who look for redemption through the Messiah----THAT WOULD BE ME!

The Sun of righteousness - The Lord Jesus, the promised Messiah; the Hope of Israel---MY SAVIOUR!

With healing in his wings - As the sun, by the rays of light and heat, revives, cheers, and fructifies the whole creation, giving, through God, light and life everywhere; so Jesus Christ, by the influences of his grace and Spirit, shall quicken, awaken, enlighten, warm, invigorate heal, purify, and refine every soul that believes in him, and, by his wings or rays, diffuse these blessings from one end of heaven to another; everywhere invigorating the seeds of righteousness, and withering and drying up the seeds of sin. The rays of this Sun are the truths of his Gospel, and the influences of his Spirit. And at present these are universally diffused----DON’T YOU JUST LOVE THIS PART!!!

And ye shall go forth - in all the occupations of life, but particularly in the means of grace; and: Grow up as calves of the stall - Full of health, of life, and spirit; satisfied and happy---LONGING TO BE A CALF?!!

My prayer for all is that we don’t pack Christmas away, just the reminders! As His light continues to shine, may you all welcome 2011 leaping like calves from the stall, full of health, of life and spirit, satisfied and happy! Joyfully leaping myself, b

A Christmas Carol…Elizabeth

Born this day 76 years ago, my ever beautiful, ever moving, ever loving Mom!

A woman who adores Christmas, it is only fitting that she be born on Christmas Eve!
The baby of the family, she was born Elizabeth Carol Dixon, in the tiny town of Egan, Texas, moved to Ft. Worth at 11 or so; the only one in her family to move any further… Houston, with her young family of 5 in 1968. And, to say the least, she has been moving ever since.

She is never idle, hardly sits down and still at the youthful age of 76 can almost work circles around someone half her age. She is truly a stunning strength to reckon with!

In her 76 years, she raised three kids, much on her on; and now spoils 10 grandchildren and 5.5 great grand children. In her early years, she worked a full time job, did the lawn, painted the house (with a little help from an aspiring child decorator), made beautiful Christmas dresses and managed on a very limited budget. In her later years, blessings much deserved, she doesn’t have to work, can dance to her hearts content, enjoy her beautiful garden, wear beautiful Christmas dresses and shares her life with a wonderful husband who finds joy in giving her an unlimited budget, that she often exceeds, according to him!

I thank God for her today, that she is here, healthy and happy… making her infamous holiday cornbread dressing as I speak!

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:25-29

The blessing of spending another Christmas Eve birthday with her is more than I have words or time express! Joyfully singing Happy Birthday to my Mom, b

7thJoy Bloggett for 12/10/10

Just some of the things I love about Christmastime….

Precious, innocent, beautiful, rosy cheeked babies in warm fuzzy clothes!
Small gifts reminding us of God’s most wonderful One!
Sweet tiny Quinn, growing too fast, changing too quickly!!

Two becoming young men, off to a Christmas Band Concert in their RatPack look!
Sometimes gifts, reminding me of God’s Grace for sure!
Blessings I didn’t deserve, I know!
Cameron and Garrison, what would I do without their joy?
Growing even faster, STOP!

My Oldest Pride and Joy, graduating next week from UofH, with a precious family of his own!
Tyler, God’s way of correcting my path...
all the while showing me His Love!
Couldn’t be more proud of this young man!
Grew to be a man before I could blink!!

Precious time of the year, passing to quickly as usual….

Breathe Belinda, Exhale & B Joyfully Thankful!

1 Timothy 1:15-17
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)