A Blessed Christmas to You

It seems that my last post upset one of my faithful readers; someone I love like a sister. This, along with Himself's cajoling and a very convicting sermon this morning, has caused me to try, ever so hard, to get into a proper Christmas spirit.

"There is one found worthy The Lion of the tribe of Judah There is one found worthy The root of David."

Only one is worthy of all blessing, honor and glory. Only one can wash away my sin. Only one can comfort the hurting. Only one can take away any bitterness in me.

There are twenty families suffering unimaginable pain and sorrow this holiday season. Their babies were brutally slain along with a number of school personnel. How dare I gripe.

Loving Father, please forgive me my bitter attitude which I have blamed on offense for your Son. You are bigger than I and you speak for yourself. Please keep me watchful and prayerful now and always for those who hurt. Thank you for your forgiveness. In Jesus' most precious name do I pray.

Crabby Christmas to You

"I just can't help it. Yes, I get crabby when I am decorating the tree and people get in my way. Yes, I get a somewhat nasty tone in my voice. What of it?!"

"I do it all by myself for years and NOW they want to help? I wouldn't even put it up if it weren't for my being bullied about it!"

Facebook update and my comment following it on Tuesday night.

Yup, I said all that. I can be a real piece of work when pushed. I don't know why or how it happened but I am the grinch. I celebrate Jesus 365 days a year and would be happy to sing happy birthday on December 25th. However, the three month lead up to it makes me nasty!

Nasty is a choice, I know. I don't have to be nasty. Usually, I am not. If I could only figure out what makes me feel so put out this time of year.

Yes, I mentioned the months it takes to come and go.

There's not having the eye on the prize, God becoming man.

Here's one to start an argument: lying to children about a white-bearded man visiting in the middle of the night and leaving gifts for good girls and boys.

How about cranky people spending money they don't have to give to people they may or may not even like?

I used to bake and bake and give the cookies and candies I made as gifts. After it became a drudgery, I spent a few more years begrudgingly doing it and then just stopped. I also realized I was becoming prideful because my cookies were the best to look at and to taste. Really, they were amazing.

We tend to want to show the best of ourselves on our blogs. Here I am showing my warts. I am a prideful, sometimes nasty person saved by grace.

Thank you, Jesus, for giving up your heavenly throne so that I might have eternal life. Because you lived as a man, I can never say, "You don't understand."

December 2012 Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...unseasonable warmth contrasts the Christmas lights.

I am thinking...about whether to read, crochet or watch tv while playing on the computer.

I am thankful...we don't go overboard for Christmas.

In the kitchen...a cold oven reflects my decision to not bake Christmas cookies.

I am wearing...pajamas; sweet, comfortable pajamas!

I am creating...a knitted cowl for warmth...I think it is for me...

I am going...to be very busy trying to get rid of anything in my home that hasn't been used in the last year.

I am wondering...how I am going to find the energy to do the above.

I am reading...David Baldacci's latest novel, The Forgotten.

I am hoping...I can visit my friend Ellen to finish the cowl I am working on. She is my knitting guru!

I am looking forward to...Christmas Eve with my side of the family.

I am learning...to trust in the Lord as we go through a storm.

Around the house...a spot is waiting for a Christmas tree that I don't feel like decorating.

I am pondering...how to get everything done that needs getting done this week.

One of my favorite things...having quiet time (have I posted this before?).

A peek into my day...not today but a good shot of the love of my life!