Candle of Love

Today we light the fourth Advent candle.  It is the candle of LOVE.
The mystery of His love was kept secret for ages, but now revealed to Mary by the angel Gabriel sent by God,  "Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High."
We light this candle to remind us how Jesus, the light of the world, came to show us God's love. It is also called the Angel’s Candle because it was they who shared their adoration for a coming Messiah. 

“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
– Deuteronomy 10:17-19a

Advent is a time for kindness, thinking of others, and sharing with others. It is a time to love as God loved us by giving us his most precious gift. As God is love, let us be love also.
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
– John 13:34-35

Master Plan

Life is to short to wake up with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. God never said it would be easy, he just promised it would be worth it.--Dawna L. White


A lot of times things haven't worked out the way I expected. I have found this true in jobs, relationships, and physical issues. Sometimes it is hard to let go of my old idea, but  I have found that in retrospect, that what I was so sure was right, was totally wrong. I had applied for a job, I was the perfect fit, and boy was the money good.  I couldn't believe it when I wasn't hired.  A couple of years later the business closed.  Instead I found a job as a medical practice manager, and I was there eleven years until I retired. The money wasn't all that great, but the opportunity to use creative solutions to solve problems was so rewarding.  I loved it. Good thing I'm not the Master Planner.  Do you have an example of God closing a door, and then opening a window for you?

friday

My Favorite sights and happenings this week

Earlier this week one of the neighbors down the block had an outside party.  Now this was not your usual party.  There were Indian dancers in full costume doing traditional native dances to the beat of several drums.  The shaman welcomed visitors; truly an unusual sight.

The tree is up and beautiful. I am happy.  It has a western theme.

Grandson put up the outside lights,  I was surprised and happy

I finished my Christmas Cards.  All the sparkle doesn't show up very well, but the branches (part of a Christmas tree garland) are white and covered with sparkly glitter--just like a frosty morning sight.

Music on a Winter Night

A token of love.

My mom loved music.  As a girl growing up in Philadelphia, she took piano lessons.  Then after moving to the barren prairie's of Montana as a young teen, she begged to continue her lessons. Grandma found a piano teacher who traded lessons for eggs. As soon as school was over, mom would rush to Miss Hunt and for awhile was lost in the magic of music.  She learned to play all the classics and favorite ballads.  Then she moved to Wyoming and married my dad where they lived on the side of a mountain, miles from the nearest neighbor.  She missed her music, but didn't complain.  But my dad was an observant man, and for their first wedding anniversary this cowboy went to Billings, Montana, the closest big town, and brought home his gift to her--a brand, new piano.

I can only imagine her surprise and joy.  Soon the house was filled with the familiar melodies of Bach, Chopin, and Mozart.  Daddy loved music, and when she played a familiar ballad he would take out his harmonica and play along.  After supper, and the dishes washed and put away, we often would gather around the piano and sing.  The evening usually ended with the strains of Daddy's favorite classic--Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor commonly known as "Für Elise" by Ludwig van Beethoven.

In the crisp winter night air one might hear a coyote join in and add to the melodies floating down across the mountain.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate?

Most years I do decorate every room, but this year due to health problems, I have the tree up in my living room and that is it.

2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why?

Norway--I love the idea of all those fjords, daring viking seamen, and their wonderful knitting

3. What does the word faith mean to you?

The confidence that I have that God loves me and has given me new life through his Son, even though I can't physically see it. Heb 11:1 ¹Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose?

I had so many good memories growing up, but today, maybe because of the weather and my mood, I am remembering a day the winter when I was 6 years old.  The walk home from school was one mile uphill, and there had been a heavy snowfall--about 18 inches.  I was frightened when the bus left me off, but then I saw my Daddy.  He had come to walk me home.  He put his belt around my waist and walked in front of me, pulling me up the steep parts of the mountain.  I remember how secure I felt that my Daddy was there and was helping me.

5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe.

Its been quite awhile.  I like to add a can of orange juice concentrate, a can of pineapple juice,  a big bottle of ginger ale, then float scoops of sherbet. 

6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts?

We always fill stockings, this year since it's only me and the dog, she will get a nice chew toy.

7. What takes your breath away?

Beautiful sunsets, kind words from friends, scary rides, big hugs. As you might have guessed I am an emotional person, usually happy and content--but I have my moments.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It is cold and rainy.  Silent Night is playing on my computer.  It is a wonderful season, but I am feeling down.  I just got home from surgery and it was a two hour procedure.  I think that I need a good hot meal.