Sunday, December 15, 2013

Third Pause

 Today I'm joining Floss and the other pausers for the third Sunday of A Pause in Advent.
 I'd like to share Colossians 1:15-17:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him.  He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.  
 And Acts 4:13:
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled and ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Also, Proverbs 3:3:
Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck and write them on the tablet of your heart.
The real reason that the cheerful carols and the candlelight are soothing and uplifting is Jesus.  The smell of evergreens is the fragrance of Him, His power and His dominion.  We're halfway through December, but Jesus is beyond time and space. He takes our ratty little "selves" and makes us new.  We belong to Him.  That is peace.  
I'm drawn to comforting and cheerful things.  A month or so ago, my mom gave me this gnome holding a bird.  Happy.
I think she gave me this book long ago, too.  When I was a young bride, I liked "dreaming" of making some of the pretty handcrafts on its pages.  I'm pretty sure I didn't replicate even ONE of the suggested festive delights.  Ha!  That's before I realized that the fun is in the looking and the actual making isn't absolutely necessary (feel free to disagree). I probably felt a little guilty, to be honest.

I thought you might like to look at some of the sweet suggestions, too!



See?  Isn't that nice?  I like the earthy 1980's trends.  They remind me of many homemakers I admired (beginning with my own mama who always produced the tastiest food and sewed the finest seams).  My contemporaries at that time were soup-makers and bread-bakers.  They made quilts and also ran organized races and took aerobics classes.  They made their Christmas gifts and they sang carols to guitar music.  I like thinking back to those simple times.  
Now is now.  Yesterday I tied up greens and made these big plaid bows.  I hung a cedar garland by the front door.  I wish you could take a sniff.  Delicious.
It's fun to be invited into bloggers' homes during the holiday, isn't it?  They don't have to scour their countertops or dust the teapots.  They can  take a picture of the important stuff instead.  It's sweet hospitality.  Isn't it?
Have a merry week, nice person.  Thank you for popping by my picture page today.

17 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

really like the garlands. nice!

Angela said...

I SO agree with you- I too have craft books which I have enjoyed looking through - but do not often make up the projects within them. But they are so inspiring - and often give ideas for simpler creations to beautify my home or create a gift for another.
I love your greenery tied with red and white ribbons. So easy yet so effective!!
thanks for your kind comment on my advent post

Advent blessings, my friend xx

Terra said...

Your home decorative touches are very charming, and I like looking at books of recipes and crafts. Easier than DOING the cooking or crafting LOL. Your pine branches and ribbons are very pretty.

Lisa Richards said...

Glad to know I'm not the only one who enjoys looking at crafts and recipes without actually making them! I think it's a love of beauty and creativity which may manifest itself in some other way in our own lives. It's food for our artistic souls!

Thanks for the virtual Christmasy smells! I'm home with a sore throat today, but I hope to enjoy some drawing time while I watch endless Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel. :)

Jane and Chris said...

I'm not a crafter...or knitter, crocheter,or sewer..but I do love to look at things created by those who are gifted in that department!
Love the reading from Proverbs.
Jane x

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Karen, it's a lovely tree and I thoroughly enjoy looking at craft books, no matter if I make anything or not.

Kezzie said...

That is so true. What makes the candlelight so warm and comforting is Jesus. He is there with us. The craft books are lovely and I love looking at them too!x

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

You make Christmas so inviting and homey. I'd come for a visit if you lived closer. I like that old book...so much work went into those crafty looking decorating ideas.....not sure I would have the time or patience. Like your tree and those banners for garland. Sweet.

Kit said...

Love your pics! You sound like you are enjoying the days before Christmas. :) Merry Christmas! Kit

Fat Dormouse said...

I love your greenery decorations too...they are very festive and lovely.
There is something warming on its way to you right now! I hope it reaches you soon, dear Pompom.

M.K. said...

Hi, Pom dear. Sorry to be so absent lately! That Christmas Treasury book looks delightful! Made me want to go bake cookies right away - haha :) Happy Christmas!!

Amy at love made my home said...

Hello! I'm popping round visiting and saying hello to all of the lovely new people who have commented on my blog recently. Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your lovely comments. Sorry it has taken me a while to visit! Hope to see you again soon. Happy Christmas. xx

ann said...

I do wonder why I have posted photos of my home on the internet! I suppose you said it best, because it is fun. Your home looks red and cheerful and happy and ready for those sweet little grandkids to spill into your kitchen. You have a merry week, PomPom.

Catherine said...

Hello Pom, thank you for your steadfastness, & irrepressible buoyancy & joy. I like your hospitality very much indeed, just please don't make me do aeroberize ever again! I thought of you today when I opened my parcel from Amazon & my lovely Susan Branch calendar...such sweet water colourings & wonderful detail. Have a lovely week my friend. Much love GK x0x0x

Gumbo Lily said...

I love the way you think, and I like the beautiful words you say. Thank you for inviting us into your cheery Christmas home. Take JOY!

Gumbo Lily said...

One more thing....I enjoyed looking through the pages of the Handicrafts book. I was one of those guitar playing moms singing Christmas carols with her kids. Good days.

Attic Clutter said...

my lil chinaman(:)
love all your Christmasy stuff..I have that Christmas book (;)
hugs..patty

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