Thanksgiving and Christmas has come and gone, and it was a joyous time of blessing.
Our friends and families came together and we celebrated the fact that we could be together...and that we are healthy, strong, and doing well, all things considered. God has been very gracious to us.
Our home Bible Fellowship ushered in the Advent season with the lighting of the Advent Wreath each week as we gathered to worship and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah...
New friends and old...
During the past month we ate a lot of wonderful food... (and I'm feeling the effects of that now...)
We spent time with my side of the family...
With my oldest brother and my sister...
and also my husband's side of the family...
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| My cousin and wife visited all the way from Iowa... |
Much laughter and fun with brothers and sisters and cousins and friends and sons and nieces, nephews and families...
And then on Christmas Day with my husband's side of the family...again with friends, family,
crazy brother in law, silly kids...
Happy times...joyous times...
We remembered loved ones gone on before us:
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| This picture of our son Matthew is on my refrigerator, and it always makes me smile as I remember him this way |
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| Matthew's preschool stocking on our tree, with a little boy angel ornament in memory of him... |
And we talked to loved ones far away who couldn't be with us on Christmas
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| Our grandson Noah and his mother Nicole, in Maine on Christmas Day |
Others things that make me smile:
Our Nativity...and the Baby Jesus...
Yes, these are just a few of the things that make me smile. As we draw to the close of another year...I am counting my blessings....oh, did I mention that I RETIRED this past fall?
And now I am looking forward to all that the Lord has in store for us in the New Year. I am actually getting excited about the possibilities...looking forward to some fun activities with friends and family...hikes with my hubby...maybe even a trip out of state or two...who knows? God knows...
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
The Christmas Tree
Our Front Porch and the lovely wreath sent to us from our kids in Maine...
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| Our little "Baby Elva" doll, all decked out for Christmas.... a gift several years ago from a special friend...she always makes me smile.... |
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| Last year's Poinsettia planted and blooming... |
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| Christmas Cactus blooming... |
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| Early Camellia blossoms... |
My hubby on Christmas morning as he was sharing with me just before we started opening our gifts how thankful he was for all the beautiful things God had done
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| Our fun loving wonderful sons on Christmas morning...always make me smile... |
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| Surprises that made me have to close my eyes! |
And now I am looking forward to all that the Lord has in store for us in the New Year. I am actually getting excited about the possibilities...looking forward to some fun activities with friends and family...hikes with my hubby...maybe even a trip out of state or two...who knows? God knows...
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
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| This little angel, a creation by one of my sons, opens her arms wide to share with us God's message of: |
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| PEACE |
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| HOPE |
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| AND LOVE |
May your New Year be filled with blessings and joy and many things that make YOU smile!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Love love love this wonderful post so much Pam!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susie. I knew the butterfly would get to you! I thought of you when I looked at the face of that sweet little lady...it reminded me of the picture of your butterfly story. Can't wait to see the results of that story this coming spring....
DeletePam, Your post is so uplifting and cheerful. It's a blessing to be able to really the beauty in God's creation, as well as in the mundane things of life. Currently, I'm enjoying the beauty of a fresh snow fall. There's something about the pure white snow that cleanses the landscape. (Getting it cleaned off isn't the most fun though!)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! May the year ahead be full of God's blessings for you and your family!
Blessings!
Kim
Thank you Kim! I am glad this was uplifting. I think we sometimes take simple things for granted...as well as our family gatherings. After the passing of our son almost 2 years ago I cherish every opportunity to be with our loved ones and friends. Life is too short to overlook these times of celebration.
DeleteI am happy you have some snow to enjoy! Please throw a snowball for me! I love fresh white snow, but agree, cleaning it off the car, etc., isn't much fun. Take care and God bless you in the New Year.
I just read this entire entry, how sweet and uplifting. Pam you are a special person. It just turned into 2016 I am looking forward to a new, wonderful and interesting year filled with new adventures. I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Yes, we are all also looking forward to a wonderful and interesting year...filled with exciting new adventures and much joy! May God bless you and keep you and may His will be done in all things. Romans 8:28
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