Perhaps a too grandiose title for three years of Buhl houseviews in December. We like putting up lights even though only neighbors directly to the north can see them (except for Santa and low flying planes). Snowy picture was December 2009, darker picture was this morning and straight on view in twilight was two years ago. We keep design the same - white lights/around porch railings the end.
Room with lights on in all three is our office - scene of the crime of procrastination for regular bloggyinnovation. Quiet holiday planned - grateful for a safe, pleasant place to live, friends who care enough to contact us during the holidays and pleasant surprises. Christmas Day we'll go to neighbors -always fun to be included during holidays.
On the great debate of Happy Holidays versus Merry Christmas - I tend to come down on the Christmas side. Obviously (to me at least) in modern western society - the December holiday is about Christ's Incarnation. However - if someone were to say happy holidays to me I would not be offended. Starting to believe we Christ followers have taken up the same ugly tactic as secular world - being OFFENDED. Heaven and hell issues are about the only two issues worth standing resolute about and unfortunately we have seen lately some hell issues which have gone to wall of rational thought and pushed it down (wrong direction in my opinion). Borrowing a quote from this weeks' devotionals by Dr. David Jeremiah
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"An old prayer, purportedly from a seventeenth-century nun, says: 'Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am getting older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but You know, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end."
Evidently all my great thimble full of wisdom doesn't need to be "shared" with everyone I encounter - what a shame. Taking my stand for Christ and for love which trumps all.
One more quote which I'm sure I've published here before - but still really love.
"So, this Christmas season I pray that the warmth of the Savior's love will spread itself over you as never before. And that whenever and however possible, you will keep reminding yourself that there are still tiny, shivering sparrows who are too terrified to come in from the cold. Maybe, just maybe, this Christmas, because of something you do or say . . . they will." Chuck Swindoll
"So, this Christmas season I pray that the warmth of the Savior's love will spread itself over you as never before. And that whenever and however possible, you will keep reminding yourself that there are still tiny, shivering sparrows who are too terrified to come in from the cold. Maybe, just maybe, this Christmas, because of something you do or say . . . they will." Chuck Swindoll
Bless all of us whether we are sparrows,robins, mockingbirds, doves, meadowlarks, raptors or grackles - we all need a shelter of warmth and kindness. Merry Christmas Y'all - if you need wisdom you'd best pray and read scripture. If you need a good recipe - you can ask me. If you need a place to stop, reflect on the infinite mercies and grace of our Creator - it is good on Buhlaland.
Y'all be careful out there.
5 comments:
Love the prayer! What a good reminder for me and a lot of others! Pretty decor! Hope your Christmas is peaceful and blessed.
Deb
Sweet post, enjoyed reading every bit. I'd stop by to sit and reflect any old time, and I'm bettin' I'd run into wisdom too. Quiet and peaceful like with a couple of giant burst of laughter.
Linda, this is a great post and that prayer is embroidered on a pillow I bought at a thrift store a few decades ago. God's blessings on you and yours now and forever. thank you for being part of my blog life; you and Skip mean a lot to me.
Merry Christmas!
The prayer by the 17th century nun is so perfect~ for any and all of us. Time has taught me that it really is best to love each other, especially our family and friends who are not so inclined to want to listen to us spout our "wisdom of the ages", but that these very same and beloved people will benefit the most from us actually living the words of God we claim to adhere to.
Your home looks so inviting and cozy in these pictures, and I echo your thankful musings. Merry Christmas Skip and LindaSue~
P.S. The Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays , I feel the same as you about that too, it is a non-issue here in our home. Why would we expect any who do not know Jesus to care either way? A kind thank-you and a smile goes much further for Jesus in the long run.
My SIL embroidered that on a pillow top for my Mom -- She did beautiful work.
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