A Sparkling Christmas

This photo is from last year's tremendous snowstorm. The sun came peeking through the clouds to  illuminate the world wearing its snowy coat. 

This Christmas will be so different without my darling husband who flew away to heaven just under two months ago.  Our children and I are heartbroken--but we know we will see him again someday, along with my Dad, brother, grandparents and many precious friends.

Some of you have experienced even greater grief, sadness and loss--my prayers are with you.  Dear friends, may God bless your Christmas with unexpected sparkles of joy and gladness.

Here is a promise from the Prophet Isaiah, who speaks of God's anointed.  He is the One Who has been sent to bring comfort, hope and gladness to those who are brokenhearted.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

Because the Lord has anointed me

To bring good news to the afflicted;

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to captives,

And freedom to prisoners;

To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord,

And the day of vengeance of our God;

To comfort all who mourn,

To grant those who mourn in Zion,

Giving them a garland instead of ashes, 

The oil of gladness instead of mourning,

The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.

So they will be called oaks of righteousness,

The planting of the lord,

That He may be glorified.

~The Prophet Isaiah

The Old Testament of the Bible

Isaiah 61:1-3

Glad Foxgloves in the Forest

Last Spring, my darling husband Alan and I were on our way back from celebrating our 31st anniversary.  When I saw these growing near the forest, I had to stop to take a picture.

I love foxgloves.  When I was a child, my sisters and I would put them on the ends of our fingers and pretend we were grand ladies wearing beautiful pink gloves.  Of course, we were warned not to eat any part of the flower as it was poisonous. It is my understanding digitalis is made from foxgloves.  Used in the right way, digitalis saves lives. There is so much to learn about the dangerous beauty of nature.

My prayer for you today, dear friends is on the side of beauty.  That in the mist of danger and trials, you will find that incredible beauty, gladness and hope are yours.

To grant those who mourn in Zion, 

Giving them a garland instead of ashes, 

The oil of gladness instead of mourning, 

The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. 

So they will be called oaks of righteousness, 

The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.  

~Isaiah 61:3