Okay, I am ready for spring now...

Once the holidays are passed, I am ready for spring!! Yes, yes, I know I am rushing things, but you know I am a pink rosy kind of girl and so, this morning I started taking pictures of the things around my home that I love the most. I hope you don't mind me rushing the seasons as it warms my heart to think about spring and my upcoming garden. The sweet, sweet little bird cloche with the cupcake inside was a present from my children, Jeremy and Lindy. It surely reminds me of spring. The rose covered plate was a present I bought for myself. Loved it the minute I saw it. Dear friends, I hope you had the best of Christmases with your family and friends. Wishing you a new year full of peace and love and all of those things you love the most!!

Mary wrapped the greatest present. . .

Merry Christmas to each of you, my dear friends. . .Love and blessings always!

"True Grit!"

I have always loved those two words. I am not sure why. Maybe it is because I can imagine my two pioneer Texas great grandmothers saying them. For sure, they must have had some of that "true grit" to settle in this wild land of Texas!!! As I was watching my neighbors put up their Christmas lights the other day, those two words came to my mind once again. It was mother and son doing the decorating this year. Daddy is far away in Afghanistan serving in our military. He won't be home this year to see the tree and beautiful lights. I am sure momma took plenty of pictures of the Christmas decorations to send to daddy. You see, it is their way of saying: "We are here. We are carrying on while you are away. We are being strong and brave as we anxiously wait for you to come home to us." I see this example of "true grit" time and again here in our military community of Fort Hood, Texas.

"True grit" was definitely in force some two thousand years ago when a young couple made their way to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. They were from a small village making their way to the big city. She was very young and very pregnant. Her husband tried with all his might to find a safe, comfortable place for them to rest that night. Unfortunately, all that was available was a stable. And so amongst the animals in a not so warm and comfortable stable, the Savior was born. I know that the young couple must have rejoiced when their son arrived safely and in good health. Their son, of course, was the One to ultimately show his true grit as he ministered to others here on this earth and give his life for many. Today, I thank God for his unspeakable gift!!

Dear friends, I hope you are enjoying this Christmas season. I am thankful for each one of you and for the difference you make for good in others lives. Have a blessed Sunday and terrific Christmas week.

A Christmas to remember. . .

I was an older teenager when I happened to meet a family who seemingly had nothing for Christmas. I visited their humble home and noticed no tree, no presents, no sign of Christmas at all. I found out that this family had no money for presents or a tree, and so when I left their home, I told my momma about their inability to purchase a tree or presents. She suggested that I call the Sunday School classes at our church to see if they might want to help out. And so, I began to call each teacher. Before I knew it, I had a tree complete with decorations, clothing, shoes, toys for the children. Everything that was needed to make for a merry Christmas time for these folks. My car was loaded down as I drove up to their home. I will never forget the expression on their faces as I was able to help make their holiday a little brighter. But you see, they weren't the ones being blessed the most, I was. As the years have gone by, I realize more than ever what it means when I hear: "It is more blessed to give than receive." I am counting my blessings this time of the year for I have been so richly blessed. I am wishing a blessed holiday season for each of you, my friends. Sometimes the greatest gifts we can give someone is a hug, a smile, a greeting. Life is short. . . love unconditionally, laugh at every opportunity, and forgive quickly.