5-Gift Rule and Gimme Gimme

~ red wing blackbirds here in droves ~

Yep, Abraham Maslow had it right...food, shelter, clothing are needs; all else is want. He also said, "The story of the human race is the story of men and women selling themselves short."

yeouch.

That sure hit home. How many times do we slough off a compliment instead of simply saying, "Thank you", then tucking that compliment inside and pondering it later when we're in dire need of encouragement? I know I'm guilty.

For a lot of decades, I've remembered (a minor miracle!) and sung Mickey and Becki Moore's song called, "Gimme Gimme" and, at some point in time, had the pleasure of seeing them in concert. Mickey and Becki started in Greenwich Village, NYC as professional street singers, becoming part of the Jesus Movement and eventually moved to central Virginia. Theirs is a wonderful story, a testimony to grace, mercy and lashings of love and, in a box somewhere, I have their first album, Mickey and Becki (that's the album name I remember but could be wrong).

"Gimme gimme this, Lord,

Gimme gimme that

I gotta gimme gimme mentality

Oh, I really wanted this,

Instead you gave me that

Lord, you're not listening to me..."

All over the i-net, I'm reading where folks are going into debt, giving Christmas gifts. That is insane! I'm also reading about the 4-Gift Rule...something to wear, something to read, something they need and something they want. That sounds about right but I've made it into a 5-Gift Rule...something to give...as in make small packages of hard candies, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb/brush, hand wipes, wool socks/hat (purchased at Sam's the socks cost about $15 for 3 pair and the hat is 2 for $12) then drop off at a shelter, letting your child hand over the goods. Allowing the child to make the association between the package and helping a real human being goes a long way toward establishing an attitude of gratitude and a lifetime of giving. Also, consider serving food or giving gifts in a Salvation Army or other shelter. This Christmas, what are you doing for heaven's sake?

Remember Gene? He's the Salvation Army bell ringer at Sam's Club and a more cheerful man you'd hardly find. Last year, while shopping at Sam's, I found three pair of wool socks for $15. When I left the store, I handed Gene a pair, starting a delightful, seasonal relationship of rejoicing with him in Christmas. This year, I wanted to up the ante so stuffed a little dollar store bag with tissue paper, a pair of socks and a wool hat. While in Sam's, someone saw me ripping open the packages and, smiling, asked, "Are you cold?" "No, it's a gift for Gene, the bell ringer. It's cold and the wool will help keep him warm." The woman looked at me and said, "That's such a nice thing to do."  And, instead of saying "Thank you" I admitted, "Wellllll, it's a very selfish thing to do...you should see his face when I hand him a Christmas gift!" His smile could light up Time's Square!

Sometimes ya gotta break the rules or you'll never have any fun! There are a few days left until Christmas, meaning you've still got time to "be selfish"; click here for some suggestions.

My days are filled with supplying food, shelter, clothing for the animals and myself. Tending to the farm takes more energy and strength than I have yet I plod on, considering it all joy to do the work God has set before me. The hay is sold for this year...IF people come get it, leaving enough hay for my horses to get through the winter and my pantry, freezers and fridges have a few jars, bottles and containers of this and that, put up during summer's end harvest. I've got wool socks, hats, scarves, jackets and am ready to laugh, mildly, at winter.

Yesterday, the first day of winter, was mild and supposed to continue throughout the weekend, into next week. That's good with me; I've had white Christmases and while beautiful, they can add stress to the holy day. If yesterday was the first day of winter, that means today is my favorite day...the day when days begin to shorten with more light than darkness...YAY!

Although, this autumn and winter haven't been very harsh for which is am grateful. Eddie, my wonderful helper, has done a lot of things to make the house, barns, vehicles warmer and safer...he's my new hero!

 
Maxine, a friend of almost 45 years (!!!), gave this horse collar mirror to me. Her Dad made it, probably 30 years ago, and it was languishing in her home so she gave it to me. Eddie, my wonderful helper, put the pieces back together and hung it in the sun room right beside the

collection of, mostly, animal bells. Most of these bells were purchased in Eastern Europe...Romania, Hungary, Ukraine with one being purchased in Russia. I still have a few to display but have run out of room here.

Beside the bells is my beloved quote from Tolkien.

 Do you remember last week when I had problems with the water trough freezing? The problem was electrical...it wasn't working but I didn't know why until Donald and Eddie came to check it out. The horses, being horses, were horsing around and doused the socket with water which overloaded the circuit and shorted.

Yeah. Rather frightening and I'm so very glad the entire thing shorted out instead of catching fire. God is good. Very, very good.

Donald and Eddie replaced the electrical socket and, using an old dog treat plastic jug, they jury rigged and sealed everything.

News from the farm is simple...we've food, shelter and clothing along with oil in the tank, wood for the stove and we are blessed. Dr. Anne comes tomorrow to give cats rabies vaccinations and on Monday "my" computer guy comes to get my desktop set up (OH JOY!), Eddie returns to do more wonderful things and in between is Christmas Eve and Christmas. The cats will be given canned tuna, the horses extra hay and grain, chews for the dogs and I'll be given the greatest gift of all...the assurance God has a plan. He says I am the apple of His eye and He holds my right hand telling me not to be afraid so I am not afraid. For me, faith is a choice and I choose to trust Him. God has a plan.

Ponder this ~ "We need people in our lives with whom we can be as open as possible. To have real conversations with people may seem like such a simple, obvious suggestion, but it involves courage and risk." ~ Thomas Moore ~

I hope you've a few such people in your life; in my life, Maxine is one among several; all are blessings and gifts. 

Today is the Stuff of Beauty

Today is the stuff beauty is made of...blue sky, white clouds, brilliant sun. Temps in the mid 40's with a breeze cooling off to upper 30's and the day has been jam packed with chores, both finished and still on the to-do list.

And here I sit, typing on the computer, enjoying the 77 degree heat of the sun room. Every time I sit in the warmth of the sun room, I bless Dave's name; he's the one who wanted this room...both to help heat the rest of the downstairs and to enjoy the beauty of the valley yet I'm the one who always used it most. Isn't that the way of a good marriage...a good man or a good woman? They do and say those things that bring happiness, pleasure, enjoyment to their loved one(s) and all benefit.

Recently, another blogger wrote about her husband supporting her dreams more than she supported his (paraphrased) and I commented, "That man of yours is a blessing and a gift. Sometimes more than once a week, I would tell Dave, "Thank you for taking such good care of us"..."us" being me, animals, farm, house, food, shelter, clothing, providing and protecting "us". It's in a man's DNA...to provide and protect and when we women acknowledge him, he grows into more of what he's meant to be. He's a blessing and a gift and with encouragement, gratitude becomes more and more of what he's meant to be. And us? We're the blessed recipients...blessings him, blesses us and the household is happy."

I look around (when I leave the farm) and see so many unhappy people. To repeat myself, I'm quite content but can't say I'm happy, yet, when I look around me and see the complete unhappiness of some, I realize I'm deliriously happy. It just occurred to me to search the definition of happy and it says, "feeling or showing pleasure or contentment". TaDa! I'm happy! How silly of me not to realize such a plain, simple, basic truth...why didn't you say?

(I've been known to curl up on the dog bed 

and enjoy the warmth of the kitchen fireplace.)

In September, while visiting Mags, Alan and their boys, I basked in the warmth of their love and happiness. A loving household is overwhelming in coziness, warmth, love and laughter. Their two boys have great, huge smiles and an endearing impishness; Mags is a wonderful wife and mother (plus a dab hand in the kitchen!) and Alan, like Dave, is a provider and protector plus priest of his household. I loved being in their household of safety and believe ours was such a household for people flocked here. It was not unusual to have an extra half dozen at the table or to hand a bath kit to someone who, unexpectedly, asked, "Would it be all right...I mean, is it possible for me to spend the night?" Everyone was having so much fun, so much enjoyment, it was difficult to leave and I always said, "Yes, here's an overnight kit filled with little necessities...toothpaste, tooth brush, comb, etc." and direct them to a clean bed (or sofa if beds were already claimed...beds could accommodate four couples and two twin beds before we started on the four sofas...yes, including Dave and I, we could sleep sixteen people!).

There were times someone would call and say, "We're in the area, could we stay with you and Dave?" I would say yes then they would say, "We're a couple of hours away..." and I would reply, "Not a problem; we'll leave the back door unlocked so y'all come in; you know where the bedroom is and we'll see you in the morning." I would then go to bed but Dave would always wait up; in the morning, I'd get up early so I could fix breakfast and Dave would sleep in. It was a nice, tidy arrangement.

No, I'm not feeling ennui as much as warm reflection; good memories are nice to have, hold and trot out every now and again. Good memories make me smile.

Country Living UK has a test to determine which county you are, here. It wasn't a surprise to find out I'm "Yorkshire"...a country woman, of the land, sturdy, reliable, honest, trustworthy, solid. I always told Dave I was built for comfort and not for speed...lol.

"...it's a funny thing about gifts-

we usually don't consider ours

as unique or as stunning

as someone else's gifts

because whatever ours is,

it comes so easily to us that

we don't get the big deal about it."

~ Patsy Clairmont ~ 

Patsy Clairmont is right on target, isn't she? What are your gifts? Are you an artist, a writer, play the piano or other instrument? Can you teach or preach or encourage? It might be as simple a thing as having overnight kits at hand to give to someone who wants to share your hospitality, your joy, your home. We may think it's nothing much but to someone in dire need, it may be the difference between life and death.

Don't withhold your gifts; share them freely and often. Be the encouragement someone needs to keep moving forward. We're all struggling, some more than others, all at different times, but we're all struggling. On this earth, we are God's hands, feet, words of encouragement; as we enter into this Holy Season, this season of Christ, do all the good you can, to all the people you can, whenever you can. Just yesterday, I went to Sam's Club and saw Gene, the Salvation Army bell ringer to whom I gave a pair of wool socks last year. (My 31 days of giving here.) His smile lit up the day as he said, "God bless you Sister! I have those socks on my feet right now! Every time I wear them, I say a prayer for you. Thank you again!"

Thank you, Gene; in blessing you, I am blessed as you bless me and the circle is complete...at least this side of the veil.

This Thanksgiving has been the best in recent memory! It began with Mary, her nephew and brunch the moved to a neighbor's house where I visited with her, her husband, her son, her sisters and sister's friend then moved to another neighbor where I had the pleasure of eating Thanksgiving supper. It was an amazing day; thoroughly enjoyable, memorable and, yes...happy! The Lewis quote to follow sums it up and to finish...thank God for His blessings and gifts!

We have a large front window and smaller side and rear mirrors is to remember where we've been but focus on where we're going.

Ponder this ~ "The sun looks down on nothing half so good as a household laughing together over a meal." ~ C. S. Lewis ~ 

Sabbath Keeping

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: 

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

 and will call him Immanuel."

~ Isaiah 7:14 ~ 

"The Old Testament is a book of 

unfulfilled prophesies, 

unexplained ceremonies 

and unsatisfied longings 

all of which are resolved in the New Testament, 

the focus of which is Jesus Christ who fulfills in His life the prophesy,

explains in His death the ceremonies,

and satisfies in His resurrection the longings."

~ Griffith Thomas ~

"And what kind of habitation pleases God? What must our natures be like before He can feel at home within us? He asks nothing but a pure heart and a single mind. He asks no rich paneling, no rugs from the Orient, no art treasures from afar. He desires but sincerity, transparency, humility, and love. He will see to the rest." ~ A. W. Tozer ~

"When we give each other

Christmas presents in His name,

Let us remember that He has given us

the sun and the moon and the stars,

the earth with its forests and mountains

and oceans--

and all that lives and moves upon them.

He has given us all green things

and everything that blossoms and bears

fruit--

and all that we quarrel about

and all that we have misused--

And to save us from our foolishness,

from our sins,

He came down to earth

and gave us Himself."

~ Sigrid Undset ~ 

"Adorned with craven gems and gold

 The sages bore from eastern lands

Gifts for the tiny new-come King.

 Came He with empty hands?--

Stronger than frankincense and myrrh,

 There followed Him across the dark

The dawn-clean breath of better life

 To fan the immortal spark.

And the stars greyed in the slow dawn;

 The shimmer of the gold grew dim

Beside the deep far-shining light

 That poured from Him."

~ Carlton Culmsee, 

Gifts of the First Christmas ~

"Love came down at Christmas,

Love all lovely, Love Divine,

Love was born at Christmas,

Star and Angels gave the sign.

***

Love shall be our token,

Love be yours and love be mine,

Love to God and all men,

Love for plea and gift and sign."

~ Christina Georgina Rossetti ~

"The Second Person in God, the Son, became human Himself: was born into the world as an actual man--a real man of a particular height, with hair of a particular colour, speaking a particular language, weighing so many stone. The Eternal Being, who knows everything and who created the whole universe, became not only a man but (before that) a baby, and before that a foetus inside a Woman's body. If you want to get the hang of it, think how you would like to become a slug or a crab." ~ C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity ~

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And so it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."

~ Luke 2 ~ 

If you have a name to add to the prayer list, please let me know.

Prayer Keeping ~ Donna ~ Jim ~  GJ ~ Bill ~ Pat ~ Rainey ~ Patty ~ Mom ~ Daddy ~ Steph ~ Gwen ~ Mary ~ Wendy ~ Ann ~ Noreen ~

Sabbath Keeping

"The lion has roared -

Who will not fear?

The Sovereign LORD has spoken

Who can but prophesy?

~ Amos 3:8 ~

"When the Lion had first begun singing, long ago when it was still quite dark. [Uncle Andrew] had realized that the noise was a song. And he had disliked the song very much. It made him think and feel things he did not want to think and feel. Then, when the sun rose and he saw that the singer was a lion ("only a lion," as he said to himself) he tried his hardest to make believe that it wasn't singing and never had been singing--only roaring as any lion might in a zoo in our own world. "Of course it can't really have been singing," he thought, "I must have imagined it. I've been letting my nerves get out of order. Who ever heard of a lion singing?" And the longer and more beautifully the Lion sang,
the harder Uncle Andrew tried to make himself believe that he could hear nothing but roaring. Now the trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. Uncle Andrew did. He soon did hear nothing but roaring in Aslan's song. Soon he couldn't have heard anything else even if he had wanted to. And when at last the Lion spoke and said, "Narnia, awake," he didn't hear any words: he heard only a snarl. And when the Beasts spoke in answer, he heard only barking, growlings, baying, and howlings."  ~ C. S. Lewis, The Magician's Nephew ~

"Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home." ~ Carol Nelson ~

"I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year." ~ Charles Dickens ~

"No, he [Aslan] is not safe, but he is good." ~ C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ~

"Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year - and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority." ~ W. J. Cameron ~

"The message of Christmas is that the visible material world is bound to the invisible spiritual world." ~ Author Unknown ~

"Isn't if funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for - I don't know what exactly, but it's something that you don't mind so much not having at other times." ~ Kate L. Bosher ~

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
~ Author unknown, attributed to Bobby, 7 years old ~

"Christmas is the day that holds all time together." ~ Alexander Smith ~

"Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts." ~ Janice Maeditere ~

"for the spirit of Christmas fulfills the greatest hunger of mankind." ~ Loring A. Schuler ~

"The message of Christmas is we are never alone." ~ Taylor Caldwell ~

There has been only one Christmas -

the rest are anniversaries."

~ W. J. Cameron ~

 

"And one of the elders said to me,

Weep no more:

behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,

the Root of David, has conquered..."

Revelation 5:5 ~

If you'd like a name added to the prayer list, please let me know. My apologies because I cannot remember from week to week; please, don't be upset with me but gently remind me. Other and I are happy to pray but you must let us know.

Prayer Keeping ~ Jim ~ Donna ~ GJ ~ Gretchen ~ Sandra ~

Sabbath Keeping

~ 12.21.12. - the view from my window ~

"And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city." 

Were you crippled? Mentally incapacitated? A widow? Just buried your parents? A pregnant woman in the late stages of her pregnancy? Poor, with no money to travel? Had you lived, since one year of age, in a place not of your birth? Were you elderly? Were you orphaned? Too bad; you had...HAD...to travel to the place of your birth so the census could be taken. Each man, woman and child had to be accounted for and counted according to the male heads of household.

NO Exceptions by order of Caesar Augustus!

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth in Judaea, unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, who was great with child."

Mary was young and heavily pregnant, probably in her last trimester. The journey was 90 miles...90 long, weary, dusty, dangerous miles. Mary and Joseph had plenty of time, as they walked, to discuss many things...the angelic visits, the way they had, probably, been shunned, the Good News and, to my mind, the all important questions of 

WHY ME? WHY US?

Perhaps Mary rode a donkey but the Bible doesn't say. I wonder at both...walking 90 miles or riding a donkey 90 miles...both boggle my mind, especially as she was, heavily, pregnant. Surely it must have rattled her teeth, riding that donkey; have you ever ridden a donkey? They can be gentle beasts or they can be ornery as all get out but their gait isn't exactly smooth, especially the little Jerusalem donkeys as the smaller ones are called. They are so short, both in height and length and when they walk their pace is jarring!

As a side note...the little Jerusalem donkeys have a cross on their back...the east/west section runs across the shoulders and the north/south section straight down the backbone. Tradition says it is this little donkey that carried Christ into Jerusalem thereby being marked forever.

Did tongues wag back home when Mary turned up pregnant and unmarried, merely engaged to Joseph? You know they did! Whispers, sly glances, the "good ladies" of the village making sure to avoid Mary and spreading the gossip as fast as their tongues could wag!

 That hasn't changed.

"And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn."

When Mary went to visit Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist, did Mary help Elizabeth deliver her baby? Is that where Mary received her training in how to push, breath, tie the umbilical cord, wrap the child in swaddling clothes? 

Mary, how did you know?

I have read when poor people of that time traveled, they wore their death shroud under the robe. If, for whatever reason, death should befall them while on the road, the one or ones left behind, wouldn't have to pay for burial clothes. Mary's death shroud was Christ's swaddling clothes, a portent of the future some thirty-three plus years later.

"And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 
For unto you is born this day, in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 
And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, good will toward men."

Shepherds were among the lowest of all groups; they were outcasts, didn't bathe very often (if ever), slept on the hard ground, ate whatever they could kill and didn't make it to town very often. Yet, God...Almighty GOD...sent the Good News first to these lowly esteemed men!
Generally, in the Bible when angels appeared to folks, their first words were, "FEAR NOT". A good thing, don't you think? My knees would have been knocking, my heart pounding, my life flashing before my eyes.

 Do you believe in angels? I do. 

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe, lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told to them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which would told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Red verses taken from KJV.

Mary, did you know?

Do you know Jesus? No, not as an historical figure but do you know Him as your Savior? That tiny babe, born to a virgin...probably both of them, Mary and Joseph...would grow up as a carpenter's son (I wonder, did he flinch every time He pounded a nail?) and, with his death on a cruel cross, turn the world upside down.

Christianity is more than a religion; it's a relationship.

A relationship between you and the Son of the Almighty God. You're not a Christian because you go to church...any church, any denomination...you're a Christian because you've said yes to Christ. You don't have to understand (I certainly don't), but only come to Christ as a child comes to your knee. 

"Dear Jesus, I don't understand but I choose to believe You are the Son of God. I choose to believe what the Bible says about You; I choose to believe You died so that I might live with You, in heaven, throughout eternity. Jesus, I choose to believe and as Thomas said to you, "help me believe." Please, come into my heart, help me make room for You; help me live for You. Thank you, Jesus. Amen" 

That's it; pretty simple, eh? Yes, it really is that simple and, yes, you'll still have problems but you'll deal with them better. 

Please don't replay that tired old onion, "I don't like going to church because it's full of hypocrites." 

You bet and that's one reason I feel so comfortable there! -smile- Do find yourself a Bible believing, teaching, preaching church to attend, surround yourself with folks who are ahead of you in the walk; let them help show you the way. Read your Bible every single day; find a version you like (I like the King James Version) and ask God to help you understand. He will!

We practicing Christians (as I call myself because it's a daily walk) are just like you...except we're spending eternity in heaven and not hell. Someone asked me, "Is Jesus the only way to heaven?" 

We'll, that's what both the Bible and Christ say and as a Christian that's what I believe. How on earth could I possibly call myself a Christian and not believe what Christ Himself said? I can't, neither can you, it's impossible! 

If you've prayed this prayer and would like a Bible, please let me know; I'll send you one.

God loves you so much," He sent His only Son that whoever believes on Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Prayer Keeping ~ please visit another Sabbath Keeping post and pray for the folks listed. My desk top computer isn't working and I'm using a mini-Acer laptop; eye strain is severe and after this long post, I'm trying to save a few blinks ~ God loves you with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms. ~

"Christmas With Friends"

The snowflakes are lovely,

Though 'Snowmen' are few;

Fond mem'ries sustain us,

Now isn't that true?

Recall the huge mantle

All hung with our socks?

We played on the floors

With our dolls and our blocks.

The popcorn we strung wrapped

Around the whole tree;

The games that we played

Aren't on your TV.

We all could play checkers,

Or skate or jump rope;

Our simple lives thrived

On much kindness and hope.

The foods were all splendid--

Sweet holiday fare--

We dine like that daily

With never a care.

The REAL CHRISTMAS taught us

to follow a Star;

We've traveled great pathways

And now here we are.

We sing Alleluias

The praise never ends;

But nothing compares with

The LOVE of our FRIENDS.

We're blest to have found this

Our haven of joy,

God bless you....be thankful

For one tiny Boy."

~ Harriette Winters ~ 

Blessings ~ God has blessed me with you dear folks who read, pray and comment on this blog. You have made these past long months bearable. May God hold you in His righteous right hand of mercy, grace and love now and forever. Amen ~

Dear Dave,

It's almost Christmas Eve eve and as we get closer to Christmas, my feet drag slower and slower. It's been a day weeks month and more of pain, sorrow and grief. People who barely know me have asked the Most Intensely Personal Questions and it has Boggled my mind! People have treated me with utmost shabbiness, dare I say even rudeness, and have felt ??? compelled to ask me "so, are you moving now that Dave is gone?" or "where are you spending Christmas?" or "are you selling the farm?" To the woman who asked the later, I was tempted to say, "does it matter? You can't afford it." but, at the last moment, God stayed my mouth.

Bless Him.

I think.

To the woman...why is it mostly women who are so rude???...who said, "where are you spending Christmas?" I responded, "where ever I spend it, I'll do my best to be happy." She doesn't have the best reputation; was she asking so she could case the joint? One feller asked, "what was wrong with you the other night?" I said, "some days are harder than others." He said, "yeah, but you usually just let things slide off your back." I tell you what, Fat Boy; grief doesn't slide; it's dead weight pinned to my shoulders and I carry it, daily. This is my life right now; if you don't like it, do us both a favor, keep it to yourself and move on.

I do strive to be happy and when that's not possible...which is the majority of the time...I strive to be content. In contentment, at least, I am succeeding.

What I want to say to people, and may yet do, is, "If you're a Christian, please pray for me." Although, surely if they were Christian, they wouldn't be asking such rude questions, right? Ah, I can hear you now, "Jeremiah, you think this is real; you've never known it was all a game." Like you told your cousin one time, "Sandra is the thing of substance. She's totally unaware most people are outward appearances only." Oh Dave, there will Never be anyone like you; God broke the mold when He made you. I'm just so grateful He allowed me to be your companion wife; He blessed me in ways only He understands! No one, save me, will ever know why your nickname for me was 'Jeremiah'; that name was laid to rest the day you died. So many dreams were laid to rest that day; I suppose new dreams will be dreamt but they will never, I don't think, be as wonderful as the dreams you and I had together nor as the realization of some of those dreams.

Over the Christmas holidays, I'm keeping Mary and Donald's three children. Yes, you're right, I have lost my mind. If not before, certainly since -laughing-. It saves Mary and Donald a boatload of child care fees and it's been, mostly, good for the children and for me. Although, it did take my breath when K. said to me, "I think Sam is sad because Dave died. You're probably sad too, aren't you?" Oh child. I pray to God you never know!

Nelson has put me in touch with someone who is going to help me. I've spoken with G. on the phone and none of my bells went off. You would always tease me, Dave, about my ability to discern when something or someone was "off". God has blessed me with discernment and He has taught me to listen to that "still, small whisper". What a Friend We Have in Jesus indeed! Things are still up in the air but there's light and I have breathing room now; a good thing because so many times I struggle to catch my breath.

Lately, it has been the strangest of times. I've wanted to wallow in grief, even though the three children need, nay demand my attention, but God had other plans. Several people have told me, "Oh, you're so strong; you'll be fine." They seem nonplussed when I say, "No, I'm not strong and have wanted to quit, to just stop eating and die. My purpose is gone; I am bereft of even breath and there are times I catch myself gulping air, my body depleted of oxygen and starving for air." There are those, I am quite sure, who would condemn me, a Bible believing Christian, for saying my purpose is gone. But Dave, you have been my purpose these last twenty-plus years. We saved each other from certain horror and, for me, the saving grace is knowing you made peace with Christ the week before you died. Was that what these last decades have been about? Then, Beloved, it was...it is...worth it all.

Bless you for giving me the assurance you loved me. Cathy was the love of your youth and, after she died,  it took years for your grief to subside. Even after we married, you mourned Cathy; even so, I was glad to be second because it was better than not at all. Most women will go to their graves never knowing the love of a great man; bless God I knew your love. In the week before you died, you told me, "as much as I ever loved Cathy, I have loved you more." Oh Dave, what a gift you gave me; bless your heart, you prepared me as well as I was able to bear.

Merry Christmas, Dave. Thank you for loving me and thank you for letting me love you.

Blessings ~ Christmas ~ oxygen ~ Dave ~ three children ~ God's arm around my shoulder and His hand over my mouth ~

A Letter to the Most Illustrious the Contessina Allagia Dela Aldobrandeschi

There is nothing I can give you which you have not got; but there is much, very much, that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No Heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it to-day. Take Heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant. Take peace!


The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. There is radiance and glory in the darkness, could we but see; and to see, we have only to look. Contessina I beseech you to look.


Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it a living splendour, woven of love, by wisdom, with power. Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the Angel's hand that brings it to you. Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, or a duty: believe me, that angel's hand is there; the gift is there, and the wonder of an overshadowing Presence. Our joys, too: be not content with them as joys, they too conceal diviner gifts.


Life is so full of meaning and of purpose, so full of beauty--beneath its covering--that you will find that earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage, then to claim it: that is all! But courage you have; and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together, wending through unknown country, home.


And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you; not quite as the world sends greetings, but with profound esteem, and with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.


by FRA GIOVANNI, A Letter to the Most Illustrious the Contessina Allagia Dela Aldobrandeschi, Written Christmas Eve Anno Domini 1513


Blessings ~ Giovanni ~ "...pilgrims together, wending through unknown country, home" ~

Christmas card 2011

This is the photo placed inside our my Christmas cards this year. Dave and I were in the Azores Islands, about one thousand miles off the coast of Portugal. When we traveled, I'd wear a red or other brightly colored scarf so Dave could find me out in a crowd easier; it was one of our safety measures.


Today, someone asked, "how are you doing?" Well, I have bad days and then I have worse days and that's the way it is right now. Those two "almost normal, almost ordinary days"...well, they didn't last. That's one thing about grief; it catches me one me so blasted unaware. Writing Christmas cards today, putting photos in for some family and friends was meant to be the remembering of good times. It worked too, for a while and then the reality of now set in; knowing Dave is gone and I'll never hear his voice again, seem him again, hear him ask, "How's everything down at the barn?" It's a gut punch, all over again. 


Earlier this evening, I went to a 4-H volunteer training meeting but that didn't last. I left about twenty minutes after I got there; it was just too much, too soon and a mistake on my part to think I'm up for any kind of volunteer work right now. In fifteen minutes, there's a community meeting and I'm not any more excited about going there than I was to find myself at the first meeting. Grief takes a lot of energy and emotional energy, especially, chews through the precious few reserves left to me. The next time I get the bright idea to do anything for anyone other than myself or my family, someone head slap me, 'k? 


By the way, visit Sunday's Sabbath Keeping post and say a prayer for all those mentioned, please and thanks. Especially, the Beckwith family who lost a 26 year old son and husband in a horrible farming accident; he left behind a wife, a four year old daughter and a three month old daughter. Life is bleak for them right now.


Blessings ~ I'm still breathing ~ the dogs love me ~ the horses have hay ~ beautiful weather today ~

Vintage and Christmas is coming...

 ~ hand made Christmas stockings ~

"Oh, good grief", I can just hear you saying. She's not one of those people, is she? And, the answer is, "not really." I don't count the days from 26 December until Christmas, nor do I frequent Christmas shops, but I do make a lot of Christmas gifts as well as buy out of season. Heck, in this any economy, it's the only way to afford Christmas. I've never been one to spend extravagantly but I do enjoy buying something rather grand at a sales price.

Selina, of Selina's Vintage, hosted a Christmas stocking swap and allowed me to participate, thus the wild tear on making stockings. My swap stocking was air mailed last week and I do hope it's well received. In younger days, I had...hmmm...not so good experiences, shall I put it, with my home economics teacher and my confidence levels aren't very high. At least, not when it comes to making and giving away things. My concern is, my swap partners will be some seamstress or knitter or crafter extraordinaire and will look, askance, at my humble offering made with love and prayers.

Now that I'm thinking about it, my experiences with my six grade art teacher wasn't very good either. On the other hand, I've had some fabulous English teachers; a Mrs. Ruby Osborne comes to mind as well as a couple of other most excellent teachers. Perhaps unfortunately, the rest have fallen into the memory abyss and I refuse to try and dredge them to the forefront. Let the dead stay buried is my motto.

 ~ stocking trims ~

Anyway, back to the stockings. Thus far I've made six and still have, perhaps, another six to make. They will be offered for sale at an upcoming Christmas Festival and, if they don't sell, will be given to family and friends after being stuffed with goodies. Each stocking has batting, is lined with muslin and quilted while the tops are all finished with binding or lace or bobble trim. Sometimes the thread is contrasting and sometimes it blends. One was made with the material upside down and has already found an owner who claims her life is just as topsy turvy. Re-thinking here...perhaps I should have kept that one for myself -smile-.

~ Moroccan silk ~

While in my studio, this basket of hand reeled Moroccan silk rests on the sewing machine. Thus far, I've yet to actually use any but simply look at all the brilliant colors and think of the sheer labor that produced such beauty.  I also remember those lovely trips Dave and I have taken to Morocco; one of my favorite countries in the entire world!

~ candle ~

Last week we were in Richmond and I visited a thrift store or three. I'm so blessed because when I visit thrift stores, I'm engaging in satisfying my wants and not my needs and, often, find fun, useful things. This "newel post" is, in reality, a candle and will look fabulous on our back porch as guests arrive for our Christmas party. You bet, it's going to be lit unless there's a sturdy wind and then will be brought inside and used as table decoration.

~ Thermos ~

This Thermos is still in working order and will provide cool refreshment next summer. It needs to be cleaned as it's a bit grungy from being so well loved used but it still provides plenty of vintage cuteness, don't you think?

Here's hoping your needs have been answered and you're working on your wants -smile-.

One last thing - for every post in November, I want to share a grateful heart. For this first November post, I'm grateful for Dave. When we met in 1989, little did I know God was putting my feet on the path to an adventurous life! Little did I know, what a gift He gave me, and continues to give me, in Dave. My life has been blessed well beyond my deserving and I am over the moon grateful.


Blessings ~ vintage ~ Christmas ~ Selina ~ stockings ~ a beautiful day ~ Dave ~

Grace and Peace,
Sandra

After Christmas Glow, with gratitude

~ Santa came to Thompson Valley! ~

If your Christmas was as fabulous as mine, you're a very happy and blessed person! Yes, we had some wonderful gifts, both given and received and some yet to come but it's more that we spent it together, Dave and I with the critters, here on the farm. We spent this Christmas in preparation for the year to come; soaking up the tranquility of the event and day, making memories, basking in each others' friendship and love. Some of Christmas day was spent on the telephone, calling family and friends, wishing them well, asking about their day and families. Christmas Eve saw Santa giving out bags of goodies: oranges, apples, candy, coloring books. Santa's helpers put up signs, ensuring traffic would slow down and, for those with children in the car, stop and visit.

~ all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth... ~

From the gleam in his eye, I'm not sure this young feller is asking for two front teeth.

~ Jolly ole Santa ~

I don't know about your Santa, but our Santa is a right jolly ole thing. He's not adverse to the big fellers climbing on his lap and asking for presents.

Can you see this upside down picnic table? It's made entirely of wood and the wind storm flipped it upside down! We've had fierce windstorms, gusting between 60 and 70 mph. Right now, it's 24 degrees F above zero and the wind chill is 4 degrees F above. I'm thinking about taking nap just to get under the covers...yes, it's that cold! Fortunately, the wind has been coming from the south and that means our bedroom stays above 60 degrees F. When the wind comes from any other direction, We're lucky if the bedroom temperature rises much about 50 degrees F and am grateful for the three dogs who share space and warmth.

The weather has been so life threatening, church and all activities were canceled. We had our Christmas play last night and, I must say, I enjoyed it more than if it'd been prior to Christmas. It was more poignant and precious...and I'm not a person who uses the word "precious" lightly.

Our little country church is delightful. We have a preacher who is in touch with God and has a personal relationship with the Trinity and the people are kind and caring; one with discernment can tell these things, you know. Oh, we all have our foibles but the uniting factor is we love Jesus and a lot of us are born again Christians. There are those who come to church for a myriad of other reasons and, as far as I'm concerned, that's okay. I'm just happy folks are in church for we have a better chance of hearing the Gospel when seated in the pew; and, we've a better chance of showing the Gospel when we leave the pew.

Our Christmas play was very traditional and used a baby, children, teenagers and a few adults. They told the story of the first Christmas, the birth of Jesus and there were more than a few sniffles to be heard.

~ the first Christmas ~

~ the littlest angel ~

Yes, this is terribly out of focus...or perhaps it's Gods' way of saying, "fill in the pieces, ponder these things"... but it's my favorite photo of the evening. All the photos were taken without flash, holding the camera as still as possible. This particular picture reminds me of angels who were sent to sing of the glory of the new born King. The littlest angel, seemed not quite sure what she's supposed to be doing, looking to an older angel for guidance and the rush of angels wings were heard all 'round. Truly, I believe we are surround by angels but we drown them out with the radio, the television, the telephone, rushing to and fro...is it no wonder we can't hear them? Is it no wonder we miss God's whisper?

 ~ Mary, did you know? ~

~ Swallowtail Shawl of alpaca ~

Perhaps you remember friend Millie who is a Master Knitter Extraordinaire! That's a title I bestow upon her, gladly, and with much appreciation. She's a knitter who knits anything, and I mean anything, she wants to knit...socks, gloves, lace, Zimmerman's Pi Shawl...which won a first in the SC State Fair! The link isn't Millie's shawl but just as beautiful... and she even knits steeks. Oh lawz. If she wasn't so dang nice, she's intimidate the socks off me. But she is nice, extremely nice and there are hundreds of people who will attest to that fact. Millie and I don't see each other nearly enough and we mail Christmas and birthday gifts. This year that was a Very Good Thing because when I opened Millie's gifts, I began to cry. I try to hide everything underneath a tough exterior and that tough exterior was helped by a stint in import export sales in New York City but, the truth of the matter is, the older I get, the more tender-hearted I become. It's not that I feel things any more deeply or strongly, it's that I'm more unable to hide the fact and when I opened up Millie's Swallowtail Shawl, I boo-hooed in earnest. It's an Evelyn Clark design, one of my favorite designers and can be knitted in a variety of yarns and weights. Millie also added heavier wool yarn and the pattern so I can knit my own Swallowtail Shawl, free pattern here. That's another thing about Millie...she's so encouraging and, obviously, thinks of me as being a Much better knitter than I know myself to be. Case in point: what's on my needles is some brown wool yarn that's being knit and knit and knit and knit and knit and...you get the point, surely! into a scarf for Dave. He likes things plain and simple; no fancy cables...which, by the way I can knit...no yarn overs because they are too lacy, nothing much except Knit. So, he's getting a knitted scarf and then I'm getting started on my Swallowtail Shawl, hopefully, in January. Wish me well and I'll keep you updated.

 

One of the gifts Dave and I gave were small, handmade baskets. We filled some baskets with half pint jars of strawberry jam which I'd made this past spring; with those jars we included a French ceramic jam jar and spoon. Other baskets were filled with hand knitted wash clothes and home made soap. The baskets were hand made by Mary M., who is a Lost Arts Guild member. She sells her baskets throughout southwest VA and, if you're interested, please let me know and I'll put the two of you in touch with each other. She also makes larger baskets but all are useful as well as beautiful and made in the old timey style.

~ Peace with dove ornament ~

Remember the month long Handmade Holidays III hosted by Sew, Mama, Sew? Bless me, I won! See the lovely ornament above? It's hand decorated and has a dove on one side with Peace on the other. We no longer put up a Christmas tree but no matter; this beautiful ornament will hang in the studio where I can see it Every day, not just a few days a year. Many thanks, Affectioknit for the graceful work of your hands.


BTW, if you're interested, Sew, Mama, Sew! is looking to add to their board. See their announcement and when you're famous, I can say I knew you when -smile-. I only wish I was good enough to apply myself!

 ~ I won fabric! ~

Please, contain yourself; I know you know it's beeyouutifull and doncha LOVE those colors?! I do. They make me h-a-p-p-y and they make me smile...a lot. You can see them better at Pippinsequim and you can visit her blog. She's a crafty gal and also an engineer...now wrap your little gray cells around that, why doncha?! Many thanks, Pippinsequim and I'm glad to have met you via the blog and SMS.

And, in closing...a few months ago I announced I was headed to Tomsk, Siberia on a missions trip. For reasons quite personal and best left unsaid here, I am taking the wise council of Dave and my parents and have decided not to go. I am not abandoning my heart for missions, however, and am still sending boxes of goodies to Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russia. Dave and I visited Syktyvkar in the summer of 2004 and spent time in orphanages, hospitals and other facilities. Once again, I made a fool of myself when I broke down in tears in The Children's Home; some of the girls gave me gifts of their delicate crochet doilies and it was so unexpected, it caught me totally by surprise. When we came back home, we started the Komi Kids Yarn Project and have shipped a few dozen boxes of yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, knitted hats and sewing supplies to The Children's Home. It's an ongoing project, supported entirely by donations and Dave and I spend our own money for postage. The only year we've missed sending boxes was last year and that was because Dave's mother fell ill and passed away.

The children are special needs and all learn traditional life skills. Girls learn knitting, sewing and crochet work while boys learn gardening and wood working skills. The girls sew bed coverings, curtains, knit and crochet hats, gloves, sweaters, etc. and the boys keep vegetable and flower gardens. They make their own flower boxes and other items to beautify the grounds and buildings. 

~ goodies, destined for Russia's special children ~ 

Julie and Mike sent the above box of goodies for me to take to Siberia; instead, I'll mail this box along with some yarn and other supplies. She also included a couple of gifts for me - this beautiful thistle dish destined to go into the studio...you may well ask, how in the world will I ever get another thing in that studio?!...but, trust me...it will happen. Where there's a will, there's a way. Isn't this dish too cute?

She included some pomegranate sauce, which she made and canned, and says it's for ice cream. Hmmm. Maybe. I'm thinking it's for home made bread or biscuits; will let you know which. Don't get me wrong, I like ice cream but I love bread -smile-.

Thank you Julie, Mike and your critters! You have blessed me beyond measure, both with your trust and with the gifts of your heart and hands. I am grateful.

Gosh! If you've read this entire post, you deserve a reward. Leave a comment and I'll have another prize drawing; not sure what I'll send, perhaps rug mugs or a skein of yarn, your choice, okay?

Until next time,

Blessings ~ Christmas ~ Santa ~ gifts ~ The Gift ~ ornaments ~ pomegranate sauce ~ fabric ~ the littlest angel ~ goodies ~ Komi Kids Yarn Project ~ a small thistle dish ~ ornament ~ hand crafted baskets ~ hand knit alpaca Swallowtail Shawl ~

Christmas Eve

 ~ Nativity in Winston-Salem, NC ~

For more than fifty years, every Christmas eve, we've read the second chapter of Luke. Mom started this tradition when we were small children and I've continued it as an adult. It's just not Christmas without reading about Luke's account of the birth of Christ on Christmas eve.

Recently I read someone's account of the story and she wondered at the "non-essentials" of the story. That just goes to show how different we, all of us, including Christians, are one from another. For me, there are no "non-essentials", rather bits and pieces of the story not told but just as important, perhaps even more important.

Mary would have been a young girl; a young, pregnant girl not formally married to Joseph. Frankly, I don't think it was much different then as now. Ah, you know...the sly looks, the glances, the whispers at Mary and, probably and unfortunately, from the church ladies. The men would have been nudging Joseph, giving him "attaboy" pats on the back, proud looks that suggested coupling outside of marriage was something he should be proud of as opposed to something any beast of the field did. But probably not Mary's menfolk; they would have been angry their sister and daughter was in the family way prior to the wedding vows being spoken. Mary's mother would have, possibly, been heartbroken.

Are we, any of us, including Christians, any different today?

God forgive me, I am guilty.

These tales would have followed Jesus as he grew into manhood. People have long memories, especially when it comes to "bad news" and there would have still been whispers and sly looks. How did Jesus handle those whispers and looks? Did he become angry or was it then he learned to hold his tongue and bide his time? Was it then He learned how to forgive? How much it cost to forgive?

When Mary delivered her Son, who assisted as mid-wife? Who helped birth the baby? Who caught Jesus when he slipped from the birth canal?  It certainly wasn't Mary's mother; the woman who would have been there, holding her daughter's hand, wiping her brow, whispering words of endearment and encouragement. Was it Joseph? There's another stigma to overcome during the years ahead. Traditionally, men were kept from the birthing tent or room; that was the work of women alone and considered by the Jewish to be Very Unclean.

I've heard during the time of Christ, when poor people traveled, they wore their death shrouds under their robes. If misfortune befell them and they died, their robes would be sold for the money that would help bury them. So, they would be buried in their death shrouds thus preventing the corpse and family  from bearing the shame of a nude burial.

When Jesus was born, Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes. It's been said those swaddling clothes was her death shroud, the first portent of the bitter end He came to fulfill some thirty plus years later. The Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and I've always thought Joseph used the gold to provide for his small family when they fled to Egypt to escape Herod's slaughter of the innocents. The frankincense and myrrh were used for both embalming and burnt as incense in religious worship but, as importantly, used to anoint newborns and infants.

When Mary pondered these things in her heart, do you think she made the associations? Do you think she was weeping as she wrapped her baby, the Christ child, in her death shroud and, now, His swaddling clothes? When the wise men brought their precious, expensive gifts, did Mary wonder at the association between life and death? Did she make that leap? And then, did she make that leap of faith, again, as when she had said, "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

Mary, did you know?
 

¹And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
 ²(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
 ³And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
 ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
 ⁵To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
 ⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
 ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
 ⁸And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
 ⁹And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
 ¹⁰And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
 ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
 ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
 ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
 ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
 ¹⁵And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
 ¹⁶And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
 ¹⁷And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
 ¹⁸And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
 ¹⁹But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
 ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
 ²¹And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb."

Merry Christmas, until next time,

Blessings ~ Mary ~ Joseph ~ Jesus Christ ~ magi ~ angels ~ shepherds ~ room in a manger ~