Decembers' End ~

Just about five months ago was my last entry. I thought to myself, "boy I sure miss blogging!" Maybe only bloggers would understand the enjoyment you have when you 'journal'. However, I believe it is more that you take time reflecting over life - where you are coming from to where you are heading.  For me I am always amazed at this. Specifically, how the Lord has brought me to here from there and where He continues to lead. 

December is a happy - sad time for a lot of people. I think a buildup hits during and after Thanksgiving and the pressure really starts to rise for the 'Holiday' love - hate affair. We all have fond memories mixed with maybe some unpleasant sadness wishing things were better. And winter - yep - some can't deal with the idea of cold and to be fair many do suffer from weather woes that are beyond their control. Prayers here for people and animals stuck in this winter storms. One very hard factor to look at is loss, many don't seem to recover, and December becomes dreaded.

As I look at December I am reminded of happy memories.

In Pennsylvania we naturally had snowy winter weather with Winter being another favorite of mine - Fall is my all-time favorite. There were days when the sun touched the snow that laid upon the limbs of trees and the ground that made for me a kingdom of diamonds as it glistened. It was, as a child would say, magical. Icicles would hang from everywhere after a good icing and freeze. The wooded hallow was the most beautiful place on earth. I enjoyed it so much I have collected icicles over the years and for the most part pull them out every year. I think I counted over 200 a few years ago and quit!  

I know that adults - including myself now may not like the cold (extreme), but I for one am a lover of four seasons that God gives to enjoy. My dad shares many times that he worked out in horrible below temp conditions, I had a bit of that myself as a mail carrier, but for a kid your thoughts of December into a full swing of winter are different. 

One year my grandpa [Pap] made for me the most awesome igloo! He showed me how to make blocks out of snow and fit them together forming a little home to play. I could crawl into the igloo I also placed an old rug inside. I can say, not many kids can say that you got to make an igloo with your grandpa. Of course, he lived in Canada as a kid so I think he would just know how to. Later in life I certainly enjoyed hearing the stories my boys shared as boy scouts when making snow caves they actually slept in. I felt a bit left out but what a wonderful memory to have also a good memory for me.

December, not just the month that kicks off winter it also marks birthdays celebrated. I'm grateful that it's my mom's and grandpas without them I wouldn't be here, and my father n laws birthday without him I wouldn't have been celebrating my anniversary - for there wouldn't have been my Jim. This year marked 44 years we would have been together. It's almost like "It's a Wonderful Life," the movie when you realize just how important you are in God's plans. 

And Christmas? I never forget the wonderful memories of Christmas that I've been blessed to have. My most favorite Christmas memory is maybe the last Christmas, 'magical' one. I remember we had previously gone out for a tree and if I remember correctly, we went to Suseks Nursery brought back a real cut tree that sat outside on the porch. I would just look at the tree, waiting. Finally on Christmas Eve it was time for bed - nothing decorated mind you, my recollection - mom put out carrots with its stemmed tops for the reindeers and milk & cookies for Santa Claus. We headed for bed and in the morning - WOW. The first thing we'd see were our socking's on our bed, then out in the kitchen the carrots were bit off to the tops, the was milk drunk with a bit left from a cookie and crumbs. Stepping into the Livingroom everything was decorated as the tree lit the room. Though in the picture there's lots of presents the one I remember is the 'metal' Saucer and boy could it go. In later years Mom said she'd never buy another and though I looked for them over the years - plastic isn't the same! When my boys were home, I too had their socking's ready and placed on their beds. I liked this tradition I learned - I think it was started by a wise mom that decorated Christmas Eve and needed a little break in the morning, the socking's entertained the boys for a bit. 

Two other Christmas' I remember growing up; I got a Schwinn bike that was gold - I loved racing around with my cousins on the dirt roads and when I got a box with sketching supplies, that I saw one day in Klingensmith Hardware's window. I was window shopping (ha) and said to my dad boy I'd really like that! And that Christmas I did. I still have the box and sketch book. I saw my bike there too the year before! :) 

I have many good memories with my children too that I hold dear and close to my heart. Even being able to spend a Christmas or two with my grandchildren and traditions I had and new ones my son now has. 

But for me I could never forget the reason I do celebrate Christmas and the reason my life is blessed, though December 25th might not be Jesus' actual birthday it's a good day to celebrate and look back throughout the past year counting all your blessings closing out the year all the while you anticipate new things the Lord will be doing in the New Year.

So, December - happy and sad. You think how it can be happy and sad. Sad isn't a place to dwell or at least I mostly choose not to. Happy we have as sad can be a temporary spot when what you are looking for is the joy that remains. Sad this year with so many hurting, a world unsettled as spinning out of control it seems and the numerous trails we seem to go through. All the while remembering those you loved who have gone before are memories now too. We so love, it is a happy sad.

Which of course, and it is just how I am, leads me to a verse that Paul shared on being content ~ 

I know what it is to be in need [brought low], and I know what it is to have plenty [ to abound]. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation [in any and every circumstance], whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. [I can do all things through him who strengthens me.] Philippians 4:12-13 NIV [EVS] I encourage you to read all of chapter 4. 

Now Paul was speaking to the church in Philippi and was rejoicing in the Lord for they had newfound concern for him 'at last' the Bible says. Think on that for a moment and how God was able to use them out of there concern to bless Paul. He was rejoicing in the Lord. However, whether they had, or hadn't Paul's heart been content in the Lord in whatever situation. I realize the connotation implies receiving aide however, in the Lord we lack nothing (we don't always recognize His provision). Over the years I have been learning to be more content as I have learned to place my trust - faith in Him.

I like what one definition has on the word content; (n) Rest or quietness of the mind in one's present condition; freedom from discontent; satisfaction; contentment; moderate happiness. Another free from worries. Sounds good to me! -  

Besides what does this world have to offer me that God Himself has not blessed me with already. It’s funny how you see things after you think them. While putting this together and reading in Philippians I saw in the margin this and looked it up:

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26 NIV

God has blessed me so and out of it has given me wonderful memories with more to come.

Photo’s may fade over the years but my memories I’ll still hold dear.

Good memories I hold close to my heart,

not so good I learn from and trust the Lord

for guidance to change for the best outcome.

I've not yet arrived but I'm moving forward on my journey

 my hope is to finish well. VB

I believe this is why I’ve taken the verses in Philippians 3: 13-14 using as a New Year’s resolution I hope you consider it – I at least hope you read them! :) I’ll add this with a close: in verses 15-16

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:15-16 NIV

Let's not drag old baggage into the New Year. Let's go in with anticipation and expectation for ALL the LORD is doing and will be doing - especially in each one of us! Are you ready and willing? 

God Bless you all who are reading. May the Lord bless you all who seek Him humbly and diligently. May He continue to guide your very steps and bless you with eyes to see and ears to hear. Amen

I didn't even use all my icicles ~

"Happy New Year to You & Yours with Love."

One last memory as Christmas is over my cousin if here would have said, "Christmas is now further away than it ever was!" I have to laugh for I know what he meant. But Christmas is in our hearts throughout the year. Rather it should be ~ VLB 

They say 3 times is a charm I lost this post twice, so I hope you enjoy.