One thing that I love about the season surrounding Christmas is that it makes me see things that it seems at other times I don’t notice and appreciate as much. It’s not that I don’t notice and appreciate my family rather it’s just I notice my love and appreciate it more right now. I never have been less impressed with the things commercialism offer any less than now either. I attribute this directly to God. I don’t think I can work up a single good thing on my own…if it’s good it’s from God. Simple things fill me with delight. A chance to show some kindness to someone else…what a treasure! A chance to sing the songs of the season with those I love…it’s really a wonderful thing! They say commercialism ruins Christmas…I say only if you let it. I’m doing all I can to pass on the reason and love of the season on to my children.
I’ve been really tied up and unable to take as many pictures as I’d like but I have a few for you today. These things aren’t really my favorite on their own but they represent what I love. Good times putting up things for Christmas together and loving each other…that’s what I love! Here’s another little ornament we found in Ghana
. This has so many wonderful memories. The fulfillment of the dream I always had of bringing my family to the first time place I went abroad as a missionary when I was eighteen years old. This globe ornament represents the love we’ve had for the world and the places we’ve been
. We also have some ornaments on the tree upstairs that shows our particular love for Asia
. Travel to Asia has forever changed our lives…I met my wife there. I have been forever shaped but the things I’ve seen there remain eternally grateful to God for the opportunities I’ve had to visit several countries there. This ornament is a lighter thing really. I think most know I love music very much and love my i-Touch as well. Each year we take these little elves and put them around the ornament we like…well, here’s mine
. Lovely and I found a sale and got this new nutcracker…last one and he was in the back of the rest…that must mean he’s a good one right
? I decided to show case these snow men though they are technically not nutcrackers…I like the diversity they add to our collection
. Last but not least this is one other one we found this year…I think he’s got character…it was fun to find and I think he’s pretty unique
….Want a cupcake…low calorie, high fiber! LOL!
Great Christmas post Joe, I wish you are very blessed time with your family.
ReplyDeleteAll the very best to you my friend, Merry Christmas!
DeleteA lovely post Joe! The ornaments are all beautiful as is your caring for your fellow man. Merry Christmas to all of your family.
ReplyDeleteI really give credit to the reason for the season my friend. It's like somehow it's extra close to me this year...I'm eternally grateful for that. God's great blessings upon you my dear friend.
DeleteStill waiting for the tune....... a few of my favorite things. It is amazing how God gives us little reminders.
ReplyDeleteNo tunes play anymore John...don't know what on earth is going on but the site I used for this purpose before is going down...guess the tune will have to play in your head. Thankfully the God given reminders are more tangible.
DeleteWhat a nice post Joe. Love the different ornaments. This sure is the time of year we remember the reason we're all here even more.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a magical time of year. It's not always easy some years but this year feels even more special somehow. God bless you my friend.
DeleteVery nice warm post. Your home must be so festive looking with these pretty ornaments. Blessed Christmas to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you my friend. The decorations and the decorating have been a blessing this year, I'm very glad to be able to share it. Merry Christmas to you my friend!
DeleteHi Joe...found you through Nita's blog. Glad I did. Nice reading your post and seeing your photos....
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you stopped by as we'll! A friend of Nita's is a friend of mine!
Deleteyou certainly have a lot of different ornaments with memories. I never was one to collect them. My first Christmas I made a bunch a stain glass ones where you put the color glass in the frame ornament the put it in the oven and when done you have little stained glass. I also did dough art one year. Oh and I did do some wood ornaments I painted. The rest or garage sale pick ups. I do love how the decorations transform the house.
ReplyDeleteWe've done the stained glass ornaments as well...I loved that! This year in particular it's been a blessing to have the reminder of Christmas to see all God has done for us. Merry Christmas my friend!
Delete