Ghost of Christmas Present

Christmas and all that it means is eternal but the day itself comes and goes.  Some come and go easily.  This one has not.  I don’t know if it’s just been how late Thanksgiving came but things have felt off to me for a long time.  The weather has been brutal too then we get freezing rain with it which is unusual for us in these parts.  Sometimes the hype is so intense you’re left sort of undone when it’s all over.  The gifts which have sat neatly under the tree now lie in disarray .  I try not to let it make me feel sad but it always does.  These are the times when I think my salamander has the right idea…things come and go as do days but you can’t let it eat you up…what’s eternal remains.  My salamander doesn’t let season’s passing bother him…each day he relishes the life he’s got…it’s perfect in its simplicity.  Outside it seems to be rather bleak as well.  The wind is cold but a sullen melt is progressing…and I stand here seemingly alone.  It feels bitter and lonely with no comfort or warmth to be found.  Everywhere I turn a cold wall.  But then I remember something I preached in an Idaho maximum security prison.  You are here in prison because of crimes against the state but as far as God is concerned you’re forgiven.  If you receive Him as He’s received, loved, and forgiven you there will be no four walls that can hold you in…your spirit will be free.  That moment was something I’ll never forget…for a moment there was no prison for them or me.  We were all aware of something.  Beyond the fears and pains and even natural jails that can imprison we were free together before God because that…that is eternal…it can never be encaged though we may at times forget.  This temporal realm pails next to eternity and suddenly the darkness fades and I see the empty wrappers as fulfilled blessings and the cold winter landscape as…dare I say it…..beautiful!  Take courage my friends.  There is a reason for the season.  Christ is eternal…this is His day…as are all the rest.  Merry Christmas!

The Nutcracker Army Faces Winter’s Roar

Yes, it looks like winter came in (again) with a roar.  It makes me glad to be appreciating it from inside today.  Our nutcracker army is standing at attention from their cozy perch.  They just keep on smiling.  They are completely happy with this turn of eventsbut then again maybe I’d smile too if it were painted on.  This cheerful army always blesses me.  They seem to be cheering us on from up there.  They remain unaffected by snow and cold.  I could envy them from withoutbut I think I’ll join them inside instead!

Keep Smiling

Things give us two options:  laugh or cry.  This weather has left me with this choice every day.  We got not only more snow but winds causing drifting.  The bright side is it’s warmer…still I can’t be inspired to stay out and take more snow pictures.  Time to take a lesson from the nutcracker.  They smile no matter what.  Sure that smile is possibly a grimace but in a crowd…it’s not at all creepy…or is it?  The kids are  excited about it.  We see The Hobbit’s next installment on Friday, the gifts are piling upso I prefer to see these as Christmas smiles…not grimaces of endurance.  Merry Christmas everyone!

The Sun Giveth No Heat

That’s right, it’s cold enough that I went King James on y’all!  Lovely’s accident on icy roads made me realize just how much I have to be thankful for.  The roads remain awful but God is still big enough and His grace sufficient for us.  Below zero temperatures mean the heavy snow will be with us for a while I think.  I braved the sub-zero weather for a few pictures.  Things are blanketed where they were before the storm…even this water pot on our outside coffee table.  Our coffee table now looks more like a double (or triple) stuff Oreo cookie now.  The steps are well covered too.  I’m no fan of horrible cold but it does have a deadly beauty.  The white and sapphire palate is severe but amazing but I think the barbecue is once again on hold.  This is such a brave tree standing vigil in the frigid new world.  Our solar lights may have trouble energizing under the snow and now stand as snow mushrooms.  My favorite Christmas tree is not decorated by the hand of man rather it’s dusted by the fingers of God…now It’s not merely a frost but snow on the needles.  The gate’s locks will remain untested until there’s a melt off.  Our fence has braved some storms in the summer now comes winter’s onslaught.  The drifting wasn’t as bad as forecast fortunately.  The sun has no heat today but I’m warmed by those praying for our family.  Lovely is fine…so is our vehicle.  God is more of a fence of protection then our vinyl fence could ever be.

Giving Thanks

Many people have had days of thanks before Thanksgiving but for me the little things I don’t necessarily expect that pop up and surprise me each day naturally bless me the most of all.  Getting up today to the smell of turkey cooking flooded my mind with memories of Thanksgivings past.  My dear grand parents now past away made wonderful delights.  I’m thankful for each time we had them with us on Thanksgiving.  Waiting on dinner brought my attention to our various things we’ve gathered from travels abroad.  I’ve spent Thanksgiving in tiny and remote villages away from home…it’s good to be home now and remember those days from here with my family today.  My wife is Filipino and is a wonderful cook.  My mother and she made food this year again.  .  Nothing not American classic for us today.  Ah, the stuffing.  Stomachs full and food put away makes me now able to look forward to Christmas.  I don’t like to get into it before Thanksgiving is even past…now we begin with an ornament showcase.  We’ve a good variety…some of which are little girl specific.  Some reflect my wife’s love of photography.  Others are classic through and through.  A few look good enough to eat.  Some are patriotic.  A couple show the Asian side of our family…another you might try to open before Christmas.  One even reflects my Dad’s fishing ability.  This one reminds me of the every crowing roosters in the Philippines.  Here’s one that could be hung on the 4th of July.  This looks like ribbon candy that my grandpa on Mom’s side of the family used to dearly love.  I’d say this may reflect me some.  Look, a ginger bread man…don’t try to eat him though.  This could reflect either me or my kids.  What would Christmas be without lady liberty.  Here we find a warm cabin.  Not sure where this knight came from but I like him.  It’s now fairly warm but later on I may wish this hearth was real.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!