Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to remind myself the precious truths... In very simple terms, it is - Christ is with me, in me and will be with me and in me forever. I was reading the "Holy Experience" (blog by Ann Voskamp) and was touched by what she wrote:-

"On the eve of the darkest night of the year, the old demons, anxiety, discouragement and ugly perfectionism slink up through the shadows. My skin crawls with the darkness. Tears don't wash me clean.

I'm overwhelmed by some projects greater than my skillset, by to-do lists with more items than moments in my day. There isn't enough of me and and what there is of me seems impotent and I'm groping for grace. It's easy to forget the truth in the dark. Sadness wrings the bones dry and finally late I give up, find my way to bed, pull the covers high...."

This is precisely what I have been experiencing for the past few weeks, especially these few days! Hubby frowned whenever I buried myself in the endless piles of work - no time to rest, smile or stop to appreciate what is around me.

"During the darkest days of the year, the world celebrates that Light has come into the world, a dawning over the land of the shadow of death, and in the warmth of that halo, we have hope....

Lord God... I simply Come to the Light.
That's all I need this Christmas.
In the dark, to rest in the healing warmth of You."

May this Christmas be a special day for you... May He touch you and remind you that you are never alone.

(Photos from Flickr. Hover mouse to photos for exact image address. Thanks to the talented photographers for the excellent photos!) 

Christmas Countdown - 36 days

A meaningful video. Spend less on gifts, give more of your time and spread your love.

Earrings and more earrings... and my current state of mind

A new pair of earrings I made a few days back using rose quartz stones, lampwork beads made by Kandice Seeber and crystals. Was in low spirits yesterday, trying to get out of such depressing state. Still trying. Hubby wrote to say he has seen me overcome similar unhappiness before and he feels I can do it. I was touched to see his words and it has given me strength to stay 'afloat' for a day and a day. Bit by bit. I really hope I can overcome it. I spend when I am unhappy. Lucky(?) for me, I got these lovelies from Jennifermorrisbeads (from etsy). She's really lovely and polite. I'm looking forward to my sweet earrings.
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God loves everyone, including those who spitefully hurt others, those who are selfish, those who are possessive, those who mentally torture others... Oh yes, these people are not happy themselves. They suffer and they are in need of love. So the Lord is there. He loves them. I will not ask God to punish You-know-who-they-are, for He knows what is best and He can see the hearts of men. But I don't wish to be the loser, I don't wish to be the person who cannot let go of the hatred inside me. It is so difficult to wish these people well and I'm not even thinking about forgiveness yet. Forgiveness in this case is indeed only possible with Him. I'm not ready yet, not ready yet....

The Inner Life

I bought a book on Wednesday at Borders. Interesting classic from Thomas Kempis. Here's the cover, equally interesting and full of meaningful words.

May the peace of the Lord comes to all who yearn for it. May those who feel weary and burdened be given rest. Thank God for the guardian angel in my life.

Sunday - A Day I Try to Find Myself Subconciously

Just stumbled upon a Christian blog on "One Thousand Gifts". This is an old post, dated Nov 2006. It talked about listing one thousand gifts - One thousand gifts that she has. What a lovely reminder. As I write my blogs, I often think about the things I want, my wishlist. I totally (indeed, totally) forget the precious things I already have. Perhaps we could all start to count our plentiful blessings and keep counting... and counting.

I took a picture of the clouds at my balcony earlier. It was a hot day... aren't the clouds beautiful?

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Ever heard of the group "Libera"? They are a young boys choir, all of them are blessed with angelic-like voices. I just bought their new album "New Dawn" - truly amazing songs inside! YouTube has one of their famous work - Sanctus. Click here to the site.

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My favourite pick of the week (thank God for creative talented artists!):-
ArtWearbyCaron