Thursday, April 4, 2019

The Awakening of Wildflower Annie



You never really know when its going to happen...the awakening of creativity then the desire that swells up inside that opens your mind to possibilities of expression and design.  Life gets busy with doing the daily lists and we forget about this part of ourselves that others thankfully remember. 

I remember my first art lesson from my next door neighbor who had a studio in his garage.  I was a youngster when my Father signed me up for lessons on Saturday mornings that lasted about a month.  The primary colors painted on the white paper stand out in my mind.  I remember my neighbor, who was an accomplished artist in town, just wanted to give me some basic training.  The smell of oils, canvases and paint brushes are painted forever in my mind.  

My comfort with creativity also stems from countless hours of coloring with the Crayola's along side my sweet Mother.  Sometimes she would draw scenes for me and had beautiful handwriting.  My Father painted some while on his Naval tours of duty. So I get this trait from both sides and I'm grateful. 

Today, I enjoyed publishing my Wildflower Annie Designs page on Facebook.  Gathering photos of my work from the past 23 years brings back wonderful memories of friendships that stem from painting for my clients.  This happens in the most natural way from the beginning.  It goes like this...you get the call from a potential client and discuss what they need.  The exchange of ideas start flowing and the creativity begins.  The idea takes on a mind of it's own as I begin to sketch and mold the image into final designs.  I take these designs back to the client and they say "yes" or "no" or "modify".  Once the finished product is sketched or painted, we look back and say "yes" to the friendship that happened along the way. 

I'm looking forward to meeting new people who appreciate creativity.  My Mother fondly nicknamed me "Annie" and but you can call me "Wildflower Annie" anytime. 




   

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

The Season of Christ's Birth


A Special Star created in the Heavens


Numbers 24:17
"...A Star shall come out of Jacob and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel"

I've had a renewed joy in studying new details about the season of Christ's birth. 
I've been reading a book that includes narratives by Rabbi Jason Sobel, Messianic Jew.
As he shares knowledge of Hebrew meanings to words, areas of the Bible and significance of details as it pertains to the daily life of the people living in The Holy Land B.C. and after Christ, I truly find a renewal in my soul and in my faith realizing God's supreme purpose in every detail of creation and life.  This in itself helps me today in my own life...reminding my mind and heart to not worry about how things are going to work out at the end of the day.  It's all in God's hands. 

When I researched "Sceptre" as it pertains to Jesus Christ, several things came into my view like a Sceptre is a rod or staff (Shepherd's Crook).  It is a sovereign symbol of supreme authority.  Ofcourse it is! The Son of God, King of Kings and "man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron, be called up unto God and to his throne" as found in Revelations 12:5 establishing our Saviour's authority.


Wise men were led to the Christ child by a Star

Matthew 2:9
This Star "went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was"

Curiously I've wondered about the Bethlehem Star.  After researching I've discovered it really was a supernatural event, a supernova. Normally stars do not move in the sky as they rise in the East and set in the West and circle around celestial poles.  The Virgin Birth itself was a supernatural event and cannot be explained by natural laws.  So, it should not be surprising that the Birth of the Son of God would be accompanied by a supernatural sign in the Heavens that was previously mentioned in Numbers 24:17, a detail allowed by God.


Nativity in Bethlehem

A Holy Delivery Room...a Birthing Cave for sacrificial lambs was kept in a state of ritual purity since these lambs were used as sacrifices in the temple and male lambs born around Bethlehem would be used for the Passover (Rabbi Jason). 

The shepherds...oh the special shepherds, were Levitical Shepherds, who guarded their sheep used for sacrifices in the temple in Jerusalem, were given a message by an angel of the Lord..."For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord". Luke 2:11

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes...
 lying the a manger." Luke 2:12

 This is a beautiful Scripture to me now realizing how special and significant the "swaddling clothes" were in the eyes of the people beholding their first view of the Christ child.  The clothes were cloths used for swaddling sacrificial lambs to keep them clean and prevent blemishes before taking them to the temple.  It is believed by Hebrew scholars that these cloths were made from Jewish Priests' tunics.  Any priestly garment would not be destroyed even though it was badly stained.  It would be used for another holy purpose like making wicks for a menorah or swaddling cloths for the sacrificial lambs. YES, God takes care of all details.


Luke 2:13-14
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."


I hope you do your own research into the word of God and find your own answers. What I've read recently has opened my mind to the beauty and significance of God's order of things that happen and are to come.  Keeping your faith strong requires going to the Source...Almighty God and His Word.

Merry Christmas With Love






Sunday, November 4, 2018

To Be or Not to Be....Entitled













Entitlement.
It's such a finicky thing.
Makes me feel uneasy.

Does this sense of entitlement become a way of life if you are:

-born into it
-buy into it
-mimic it
-strive for it

-get by with it

Or

Do you choose it?

I've seen different examples of it in my life.  

Greed, ungrateful hearts, entitlement
Where does it begin and where does it end?




Sunday, September 23, 2018

Which Way To Go From Here



                          Which Way to Go From Here


God has brought you to a place.  Life is changing.  
It's hard to know which way to go from here.
So, just sit still.

Place God back on His Throne.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways, acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct thy paths.
-Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV

Isn't God "Sovereign"?
He reigns in all situations and takes care of all the details.
I've been focusing on this lately.
Distinguishing between the truth and emotional response to reasons change happens.
Sometimes, it's out of our control and decisions of others finally make the change occur.

I'm clinging to my God who sits on His Throne of Glory.

Take time the read Psalms 105 and 106.
If God created the streams in the hills to provide the beasts of the Earth water to revive them,
think about how much more will He provide for His children who are dear to His heart.

Psalms 106:48
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: 
and let all the people say, Amen. 
Praise ye the Lord.

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Here Comes the Sun





His mercies are new each morning.  Yes, "weeping may endure for a night...but Joy cometh in the morning...Psalms 30:5.

There are so many experiences in life that can steal your joy.  A loved one's choices that conflict with your lifestyle, your goals and your mindset can interfere with your joy.  Your trusted friend or co-worker can turn on you. A relationship may end.  Your neighbor may not be especially helpful or kind. These situations can be disappointing and leave you struggling at the end of the day.

Remember to ask the Lord to help you...and He will answer your prayer in a way that's best for you.  Remember, each day as the sun rises, is a new day offering new mercies, new answers and perhaps new beginnings.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Forgiveness



Kelsey Witte Photographer

FORGIVENESS does not mean ACCEPTANCE


We are called to Forgive one another by our Faith in a loving God and His Word.
This does not mean we have to accept someone's choices, wicked words and hurtful ways.
It just means "we" must experience a change of heart ourselves.

Something happens inside of our minds and souls when we Forgive others.
It frees us...the chain of negativity is broken. 



WE then find Peace in the "Garden of our Soul"



It is well in the garden of my soul
It is well in the garden of my soul
The Lord knows my heart and all is well
In the garden of my soul

Written by Angelia Nabors 2001



Forgive others … as God forgives you.
The Book of Matthew 18




Monday, August 13, 2018

PHI - God's Perfection



PHI - God's Perfection



I am amazed at the beauty of our God's Creation, perfect in every detail.

I was recently reminded of His presence in all things.  
He is still taking care of each and every detail in all situations and in all things.

Thank you Lord

AMEN





Friday, August 10, 2018

Inspiration


Sometimes inspiration comes when you least expect it.  

Color, Nature, the scent of an essential oil, the design of a vintage piece of jewelry or furniture, instrumental hymns, instrumental Latin Jazz, a full-bodied red wine, a nice Sauvignon Blanc, a glass of Champagne poured in a tall flute, spending time with my  
Grands, spending quiet time with my Love, my Sons, my Daughters, Tropical flowers, traveling and cruising, sitting on a beautiful beach, Sea glass, being in the Mountains, sitting by the pond in my hometown's Central Park, enjoying Lexington's scenery, remembering the California Coast, remembering West Virginia, the perfect pan of Jalapeno cornbread, Amish butter, caper berries, fresh Salmon, fresh coffee brewed in my $5 Perc pot, Photography, the sound of my Grandmother Clock, Vintage Glass, the soothing sound of my Love playing the piano, the view out of every window in our home, watching the families of deer from our front porch, seeing the sunrise each morning, being grateful for God's true Love, listening to the voice inside and finding a Watercolor Artist from the Netherlands...Annemiek Groenhout...







Friday, June 8, 2018

My Firstborn in June

The dawn came in with a hail storm the sixth day of June.  The Preacher man in black appeared in the waiting room...perhaps an Angel God sent in at the right moment to calm the anxiety of a young Father and the Grandmother of the baby that was being born.  He said a prayer with them and went on his way.

In the operating room was a young Mother-to-be waiting on the Doctor to perform a C-Section and deliver her firstborn.  And all of a sudden, it happened. The face of a beautiful baby boy was looking up at his Momma for the first time.
I immediately gave thanks to our Lord and then admired the little miracle placed on my chest.  He was beautiful in all ways!



My pregnancy went very well although I was very young.  I didn't have a life reference manual to go by.  I did have my faith in a Living God who gave me my baby and Brad's Dad,who made sure I ate carrots when the baby's eyes were being formed and drank plenty of milk when the baby's bones were developing. And anything else we could research that would help in the formation of our little miracle.  One of my main cravings while pregnant was sauerkraut and wieners.  To this day, my son enjoys everything fermented!

I'll always remember our drive home from the hospital.  The sunny cool morn, the slow ride passing Central Park on the way to the Clark household on Weymouth Drive.  We had a huge support system of family to help us through the becoming young parents.  Lots of Love for our new addition. When we arrived home, we immediately took him back to our bedroom, unwrapped him from the little bunny blanket my Mom made, and looked at his little self.  We raised him up in our hands and dedicated him to our Lord.  We thanked the Lord for Brad and for allowing us to have him.  We asked for guidance in raising Brad and began our journey.

A Friday early morning child...born under Venus and full of a loving/giving and artistic spirit.  My boy, who now is an adult, loves to socialize and engage in the pleasantries of life. Brad loves color in all things.  The color of life.  He strives for balance and does as pretty good job of balancing all of his obligations.  When he needs a little more balance, he mixes up his morning drink of lemon, apple cider vinegar, cayenne and maple syrup. 

I just had to write again, in celebration of my firstborn, and the color he brings to my life!  The role is reversing a little.  He's now my Teacher guiding me into new foods, new technology and new travels.  Bring on the dawn with cool June mornings and new things to explore. I'm in good hands.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

In The Merry Merry Month of May


Once upon a time, in the merry, merry month of May, many important things began like...


                                               In our Backyard...taken while we were dating

Mr. Jonathan Nabors asked me to become his wife...we made it official and our life together began in the month of May twelve years ago and wound up Honeymooning in San Fran...a place we had both enjoyed before with our previous families and wanted to experience together. 


                      Fisherman's Wharf Seafood is the best! Especially with my Love.


                                           All fancy-fied at Adam's Wedding

When we were picking out a date to marry, I thought of my Mother and how she would have loved to have been with us.  Her birthday is the day after our Anniversary. Each year, it gives me a double dose of love remembering our Anniversary and my Mom's birthday. 


                                                 Zina Mae


                                                                    Me and my Momma

And then comes...Adam's birthday a week later.  Adam Gabriel Clark came into this world with the biggest Moon in the sky I've every seen!  Adam's Dad and I were amazed at how large the Moon looked in the San Diego sky before dawn that morning I delivered what I thought was going to be a girl!  It turned out that the Doctor and his Nurses were wrong!  What a sweet surprise...a big boy was laid on my chest which meant the pastel pink dress my Mother sent to me for the baby's ride home would have to be placed in my hope chest.  Saved for Adam's baby someday...if his lovely wife has a little girl.  Side note: While considering boy's names...Jonathan was one of my favorites!  How funny this would have been to have a son named after Jonathan...my Youth Minister I met so many years ago in a little church in KY.

Adam came into this world at dawn with a big strong Moon in the sky and the strong hand of God willing this beautiful child to me.  And I say, "Thank you Father"...


                                                Adam always enjoyed dressing up as a child



                                                                    Adam G. Clark

Next in line...is Miss Cora, known as Cora-bell, Beasy, Cora B, little Missy, and Sweet Girl.  All names are fitting for this little one who fought hard to be here as her Daddy said, "Come on Girl!,  Breath!".  Once again, I say, "Thank you, Father"...
KY Logging Show


Cora loves to play with the little bears when she comes to visit Pop J and Nona



MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY



Our Memorial Day Holiday has passed and I must say that I am proud to be an American.  As I grow a bit older, I never pass up the chance to tell our Soldiers (past and current) how much I appreciate their service to our Country.  It's important to tell them "Thank You".  It's a small token that may remind them that what they do (or what they've done) for our freedom really means something.  Political agendas have changed our society in a negative way.  Media has changed our society in a more negative way.  I choose to remain a Patriot for America and pray that Almightly God will continue to bless our people and our land!



Tuesday, April 4, 2017

FLAWED AND FORGIVEN



Flawed and Forgiven
Yes, that's what we are.

This life we are livin'
Is flawed by our humanism.
Forgiven because our Maker 
Sent His son, Jesus 
To walk this Earth and be human for awhile.

I am in awe that someone died for me.
Someone, my Lord, Jesus Christ
Died for me (and for you).

Jesus Christ.
Tender Baby King.
Humbly left His throne.
To die for someone like me.

I am humbled.
You loved me first.
There's nothing I can say or do 
That would compare to your sacrifice.

So I remember.
And I humbly pray Your Prayer:

Our Father, who art in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done
on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread.
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM
AND THE POWER
AND THE GLORY
FOREVER
AMEN

SHE WHISPERED I LOVE YOU








"I Love You" is what she whispered in my ear during the restless night. I whispered back "I love you too".   After a few quiet seconds passed, another whisper came..."I couldn't wait any longer to snuggle with you so I left Bubby's bed and came in YOUR bed a little early".  "Did you check in the other bed to see if I was there?".  I answered, "Yes".  Little Missy giggled with contentment as she got the answer she wanted. Earlier that evening, as I gave my goodnight sentiments to my Grands, I had told her that I would check on her before I retired to bed.  I checked on her and her brother before going to bed myself and said a little prayer for our Lord to watch over them.  They are so sweet and bring so much love to my world.

So, I enjoyed every moment of being a Nona while visiting with my kiddos .  I soaked up all of the good stuff which included both Grands sitting on my lap at one time and revisiting the game of Sorry. I drove away with a smile on my face, sharing this story with my best friends by phone and laughing all the way home.

Now that's what it's all about folks!

Saturday, February 18, 2017

LOVE STORY, Be Mine, I'm Yours



Be Mine, I'm Yours


Valentine's Day is happening this month and thoughts of little candied hearts with sayings like "Be Mine", "I'm Yours" and "Love You" come to mind.  It gives us a nice warm feeling inside to know you're loved by someone.  The true benefits arrive when the love felt is mutual.

A bond that cannot be broken and unconditional love are a couple of benefits that come from sharing love with someone special.

How great our Lord's love must be for each of us!  He created us out of Love.  His true Love was with us in the beginning because He loved us first!  Since the days of Solomon, people have praised Him saying, "His love endures forever!".

Psalms 2 5:7
....According to Your love, remember me, for you are good, Oh Lord! 

January

January 2017

January has come and gone.  
It was a special month despite the familiar feelings of grief.
Our family tip-toed through the process each day.
Most days it began in the morning.  Then changed to the evenings when things settled down.

With each new day, we heal and remember to be grateful and to love each other in a big way.

January is a big birthday month around here...Brandon - 1st, 
Anna - 2nd, Paul - 8th, Kelsey - 23rd 
and then there's my birthday towards the end of the month.

While sitting at our kitchen counter, Jonathan asked what I would like to have for my special day.
I replied, "I don't need a thing, I have all I need and I'm so very grateful".
With a full heart, I sincerely meant it.
And then, God opened the clouds and dropped sweet surprises at my doorstep for two solid weeks!
I still shake my head in disbelief...it's that formula of being grateful that I've known about most of my life.  I've been content and grateful for many years, however, this year was different.
Maybe God's surprises came at the exact time I needed a pick-me-up.

God knows my heart and my every intention.
He knows what we need to make us smile.  
I give God the glory for showering me with His love.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

LOVE CAME FOR ME


Love Came For Me

If You had not come, Tender baby King
And humbly left your throne to reach someone like me
If You had not walked upon this broken ground
Where would I be now?

If You had not come, to seek the sick and lame
To set the captive free, to break the prisoners chains
I'd still be in the dark, grappling for the door
Longing for some way, somehow

Love came for me, Love rescued me
Love called my name, Love took my place
Sweet Lamb of God, I'm bowing down
My eyes have seen
I'm finally free
Love came for me

Lyrics by Shannon Wexelberg


Brandon and Daisy

I cannot begin to write in my blog again without sharing the passing of Jonathan and Debbie's son, Kelsey's brother, Paul's brother-in-law, my step son, Brad and Adam's step brother, Shirley and Geneva's grandson, Jack and Tina, Melinda, Melissa and Sherwyn's nephew, Anna, Kate and Joseph's Uncle, Jasper and Cora's step uncle, Isaiah, Chloe, Sadie, Kirk, Kate, Kristy, Jordan, Parker and Heather, and Mallory and Jon's cousin, Ryan's friend like a brother, Keith, Darren, and Jason's best friend.

You see, Brandon was somebody.  He was huge.  He had intensity and sensitivity that will not be matched.  He walked through this world with a unique energy and a different beat wanting a different outcome wherever he landed.  He faced demons along the way.  At times, he conquered them.  At times, he played with fire.  

Brandon was a beautiful young man.  He understood that he had faith in God who loved him first.  God gave him almost 40 years on this Earth.  Perhaps He looked down and said "Enough, my child".  He called his name, He took his place.  He took Brandon as he was.  "But, oh, the blood of Christ that washes over me, flowing from Your hands and feet".  He indeed set the captive free.  

Psalm 31:4-5
Free me from the trap that is set for me, 
for You are my refuge.
Into Your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.


Learning to live without Brandon in our lives is not easy.  We have to fill the void with positive things.  We're all trying as we remember the good times.  One great story Ryan shared with us recently happened during the Christmas Holiday in Kentucky.  Ryan and his family had gone back home for Christmas.  This happened to be where Brandon was living and where the two of them grew up together.  Ryan picked Brandon up one day before Christmas and they ran a few errands.  While driving down Winchester Avenue decorated with Holiday garland with red bells and jewel toned lights, Brandon asked Ryan to play a particular song from their past.  They decided to roll down memory lane as they rolled down the windows (even though it was a Winter day). They rested their elbows in the opened window area of the door and tilted their seats back as they listened to the Rapper rap to a funky beat.  After the song was over, Brandon said, "Can we play it again?".  Ryan agreed, turned up the volume and two friends like brothers enjoyed some special time together for a little while longer. 

We love you Brandon. The longing to be with you just a little while longer will never go away. So, we'll carry on the best we can and look toward a better day when we will all be together on the other side of the River.  Our days spent rejoicing and praising our Lord with a renewed energy to the beat of a different drum in a better place.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Love Is In The Air



Valentine's Day has passed but Cupid stuck around awhile and ended up on a beach in Florida during a special sunrise on a mid-March day...


My son Adam and lovely Rachael became engaged as the sun greeted the early morning and as the ocean's fluid harmony rejoiced.  Cupid played all day long in the sun as love danced along the shoreline.  This special union was celebrated by phone and at the end of the day with a bottle of the best Champagne with our new Florida family ...


The Dunbar's

Smiles, toasting and well wishes all around for our two love birds, Adam & Rachael...    Love at first sight, Love burning bright, Love in God's light.

 Love, Momma


Feed on God's Faithfulness



"Feed on God's faithfulness to find the strength you need" is taken from a page of a daily devotion calendar I read on January 3, 2015.  It goes onto quote Psalm 37:3..."Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness".

The King James Version reads..."Trust in the LORD and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verify thou shalt be fed". Psalm 37:4-5 then says, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass".

My true delight comes in doing the right thing in the eyes of the Lord.  I'm human and make mistakes everyday but know the difference in my mind and heart when I've done the right thing. 

Recently, I've been searching for a King James Bible around our home.  Seek and ye shall find...my Mother's KJB, Scolfield Reference Edition was sitting right on the shelf like an old friend.  Some 20 years ago, I switched from King James to New International Version because a family member gave it to me.  It had a deep concordance that came in handy during study time and I felt very comfortable reading this version until recently.   My Sons now study from a King James Bible.  Discussion of which one is best came up and was explained to me in a way I now respect and understand.  But when the subject first came up I was a little taken back.  I prayed for understanding and God gave me the answer in the form of an informational pamplet that explains Bible translations available at the Lifeway Christian Bookstore.

You see, the King James Bible (not the New King James) was originally published in 1611, word-for-word from the best manuscripts available at the time.  I needed to be reminded of this!  It's the Bible I was taught from as a child.  It's the Bible I read from as a child.  The seeds of Christian faith were planted in me from hearing Sermons based on the word of God read from this version of the Bible.  My eyes have been opened now and I'm thankful my children have right intentions of learning from the King James Bible.  The "thee's and thou's" are music to my ears these days...a familiar melody that plays from within.



God's delight must surely come from knowing His children seek Him and contentment comes from His children knowing that God will provide understanding and His will is perfect.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Happy New Year 2015...It's Gonna Be A Good One!





This has been one of the happiest entries into a new year that I can remember.  We spontaneously had friends from Church stop by for a fabulous steak dinner prepared by my husband who has the name of Chef Jonathan in our household.  He loves to cook and share all of his creations with friends and family or anyone else who happens to be passing through.
I enjoy being his favorite helper in the kitchen which allows me to throw in my two sense worth of advice every now-and-then.  It's not often needed though...Jonathan's a great cook!

Some of our favorite friends stopped by to help us celebrate life and friendship with laughter and the togetherness that comes easy when you have like-minded individuals gathered in one place.  I enjoy remembering how we were all gathered around our dining room table telling stories from the past and making plans for our future.  One thing's for sure...we made promises to eachother to have fun in 2015.  We don't want to sit still and let life pass by.  We all agreed that our Lord has blessed us with our Church which includes our Church relationships with friends who are family.  Tomorrow is not promised so lets enjoy life!

On December 31, 2014,  we gathered in our home and made a wonderful memory that night.  As Jonathan and I closed the kitchen door after our friends left, we looked at eachother and smiled.  We have so much to be thankful for...so much that we've been through and so much to look forward to.

I woke up New Year's Day morning with an overwhelming feeling of peace and gratitude for the experience we had the night before and the faith we have for tomorrow.  Yes, it's going to be a good year.  We have a list of things happening already:

1)   We are celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary in May.

2)   We will be welcoming our 5th grandchild into our lives in May.

3)   My eldest son is moving up in his career of Education.

4)   My youngest son is becoming a certified Lawyer soon.

5)   Jonathan's eldest is beginning his new life in KY.

6)   We will welcome another Daughter into our family in the Fall.

7)   We will sell our office building and relocate to simplify our lives.

8)   We will win the lottery (well, someone has to do it!)

9)   Mama will enjoy this chapter of her life in good health.

10) We will begin our next chapter with a grateful heart that includes quiet   time on our deck...enjoying a glass of wine with a plate of smoked fish, cheese, olives, balsamic onions and cherry peppers watching our families of deer stop by to nibble on our fruit trees and grapevines.

11)  We will anticipate the news of Jasper's loose tooth finally falling out!

12)  We will make plans for small trips to visit friends and family.

13)  We will go camping in our camper with friends and family.

14)  We will make healthier choices for our physical and emotional selves.

15)  We will grow veggies, herbs and a lemon tree in patio pots.

16)  We will continue to seek God's will and direction as we use our   talents for Him in our Church.

Yes, it's going to be a great year!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Christmastime is Here

Christmastime is here...I sure love remembering this Charlie Brown lyric and watching all of my other seasonal favorites like that sweet reindeer with the bright shining red nose and my frothy friend Frosty.  Why did he have to melt and make me all emotional?  Oh...it's just a story; nothing to worry about...it all works out to be a happy ending.

I'm missing my siblings a little more this year and my Momma and Dad.  Sometimes, I just breeze through the Holidays and other years...well, it hits me in the heart.   That's where it counts.  The heart of Christmas is Faith, Family and making great memories with the ones you love. 

On Sunday, the music at our Church was really beautiful and touched the hearts of those listening...a special song called "The Heart of Christmas" by Matthew West is the song Jonathan sang with a little harmony from me, Dana and Cindy and Don playing bass.  Listen to it on Youtube when you get the chance.  All of Matthew West's songs are really thoughtful and you can find a whole list available for your "heart" to hear.

Thinking about the heart of Christmas brings me back to some fond memories I have of the silver foil tree at Grandma's and our Charlie Brown tree in Ashland.  Our Christmas presents were few but times were different then...we didn't expect anything so when we received one or two things, it was really appreciated!

Here are a few photos I've found recently of my childhood Christmas memories...some taken at my Grandmother's home and some in the home I grew up in on Montgomery Avenue...the first one is me standing with my Brother, Chip and beside me is the Penguin I received from Dad marked "Airmail from Antartica".

From my heart to yours....Merry Christmas Everyone!