Essence of Christmas......

For everything there is a season....wise king Solomon tells us in Ecclesiates.  It has been almost a year since I last "blogged".  Simply too much going on in life to tackle anything new or creative.   Downtime.  It was thrust upon me.   I fought it for the better part of the year.  Wondering why I couldn't "do" all the things I normally feel drawn to...
 I fought it through many feelings of frustration, anger, tears, sadness, and then at a biblestudy--a wise mom simply said...."don't fight the seasons of life;  just like you cannot fight a baby going from crawling to walking....you need to allow yourself the down time to refresh ....."    This thought brought me to the faint memory of my blog...that is supposed to be about just that.   What symbolizes "refreshing" more than the evergreen of a Christmas tree?  Ahh...how perfect a metaphor for the season! (I love to wax poetic) 

Beautiful, fresh, evergreen!

  Life often brings us to new phases even when we resist them or fight them or even, perhaps, when we are blissfully unaware that a new-phase is upon us.   Suddenly, we may realize we cannot go back to the "old ways"...of doing or thinking.  Much like a toddler who bends a knee and hesitantly scoots across a sofa and then cries out in fear when he reaches the edge, quickly realizes that while his new mode of movement is completely unfamiliar--it most definately provides more freedom the more he tries it out.

If I had my choice--the couch would be this one! Down stuffed and slipped! :o)

  As my life has moved into a new season, I have felt tempted to scoot across the couch of life, and throw a few tantrums myself as I struggled to navigate my new territory; but I am thankfully beginning to appreciate the new freedom in transition.   Downtime....is essential for renewing the spirit!

I am looking forward to the Christmas season and the New Year ahead....and while I may not be running at full speed....I will be moving in respect to the downtime that is now incorporated into the fullness of life.

Fun ideas to try for the Season:  Lit Baskets

This beautiful "lit" basket was done by a friend.  Such a clever idea for an entry or porch area.  Use a great basket and fresh greenery with a battery operated strand of white lights!

Here is another one with a vintage card using pepermint lights!  Sooo cute!