Christmastide Daybook

On this second day of Christmas i find myself...

Enjoying the calm and quiet after the wonderful exuberance of yesterday's gathering.

Sipping the tea given to me by my older son's sweet girlfriend, a favourite of his and mine, which is no longer carried by any stores in the entire state of Texas; she ordered it online and surprised us both!

Looking at the tree, beautifully decorated on Christmas Eve by my youngest daughter and another daughter's new boyfriend.

Reflecting on the creche now complete with the babe in the manger.

Listening to


Praying for three dear families we know who lost loved ones.  One was murdered earlier in the month, and two died on Christmas Eve, both from cancer. One had only known he had cancer for a week; one had been battling for a while.  Two mothers and one father, leaving behind a total of seven children.  We rejoice that all knew Jesus and are spending a glorious Christmastide in His presence, where there is no sadness or sickness or sorrow, but we grieve their loss, especially to those who were closest to them.  We know their hearts are breaking, and ours hearts ache for them.

Waiting for the birth of our first grandchild.

Thanking God for the Greatest Gift! 

An Advent Favourite

This morning after my prayer time I sat by the the tree and listened to one of my favourite things. Advent Voices is a one hour program of "the most beautiful vocal music inspired by and written for Advent" produced by American Public Media. If you would like to listen, click on the picture.

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 29&30

My two sons, both with late November birthdays.

Just six days shy of two years apart.

Two brothers among five sisters.

My only autumn babies.

My only children born in odd years.

Friends from the beginning and friends still.

They bring such fun into my life!

May our young sons be like plants that are full-grown. 

And may our daughters be like the corner pieces of a great house.

~Psalm 144:12

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 14-28

Playing catch-up:

• Lovely November colour
• An unexpected $100
• A $50+ oil change i needed for just over $20
• Gas for less than $2.40 per gallon
• Mentors/Titus 2 "older women"
• My car
• Our neighbours
• My friends
• My husband's job
• My husband's patience
• My husband's generosity
• My husband's love
• God's love
• Turkey, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie
• God's provision

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 13

Getting to wear my sweater!

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 12

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down toward your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
    for you have exalted above all things
    your name and your word.
On the day I called, you answered me;
    my strength of soul you increased.

All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth,
and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for great is the glory of the Lord.
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
    but the haughty he knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
    and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.

~Psalm 138

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 11

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 10

A friend with talent and skill and a willingness to teach me and help me to make my very first quilt to give to my daughter at her baby shower.

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 9

Getting to listen to the new Foo Fighters album with my soon-to-be-17-years-old son.

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 8

A full day:

baby shower, play-off football game, friends, and family.

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 7

Thank You for a productive day spent cooking and crafting with my daughter and her best friend, and for a beautiful moonrise.

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 6

Thank You, God, for the opportunities that You give me to earn some money to help pay our bills. I am especially grateful that in each of these jobs I am able to work with one or more of my children!

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 5

RAIN!!!

30 Days of Thanks ~ 4

Today i am thankful for people with amazing amounts of talent to paint and sculpt and create beautiful works of art and also for people with the means and the expertise to collect, preserve, and display these treasures in museums where my children and i can go enjoy them, and I am thankful for the opportunity to do just that today.

30 Days of Giving Thanks ~ 3

Thank You, God, for asthma medications and our wonderful pediatrician!

30 Day of Giving Thanks ~ 2

Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all whom you have made.

We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to your service,
and by walking before you
in holiness and righteousness all our days;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory throughout all ages. 

Amen.

from The Book of Common Prayer

Thirty Days of Giving Thanks ~ 1

A very autumnal morning here. I got to use my seat warmer when taking my brother-in-law to work this morning, because it was 43 outside. I am now enjoying a lovely fall sunrise with my tea.

Lord, thank You for this beautiful, peaceful morning and Your creation.  I love the signs and seasons, and You know that I particularly love this season.  Thank You that my family is safely tucked in inside this warm house, which You have provided.

The Lord has done great things for us;
    we are glad.

~Psalm 126:3

So Excited!

Did you notice my ticker up above?
Our daughter and son-in-law gave us the news on Easter; baby is due Christmas Eve!

Playlist for Lent

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