 |
| The snowmen on the left have found themselves all over the house each Christmas. They were hand painted by my dear friend, BB. |
Christmas has been quiet this year and I must admit, I almost let myself get way too depressed. However, friends and family (and many of YOU) helped cheer me up.
Very soon the season of Advent will be behind us and I have been embracing the Beauty all around. Yes, it was well worth the time and effort and energy to do a little "spiritual warfare through decorating". :)
I will miss waking up each morning and turning on the lights of the tree.
Everything gets a little touch of red at this time of year. Okay... all other eleven months, too, but at Christmas I have an excuse for the excessive use of the color red.
Christmas gives one an excuse to live in a fairy tale for a few weeks. No matter what is going on in our world at the moment, we... who hold the Christ of Christmas in our hearts... know we all eventually live Happily Ever After.
13 comments:
Yes, we will live happily ever after if we have invited the Christ into our hearts and lives. Depression is an equal opportunity spoiler. It attacks when we least suspect it and it does take effort and spiritual warfare (I hate the imagery of warfare so I struggle with that) and purposeful "coming away." You're very good at teaching us that, Brenda. I often take my cues from you, believe it or not. Many blessings...
I do hope depression takes a walk real soon if it isn't already gone. I will finish Christmas cards and a few thank you's today. I have noticed that people are grumbly even out and about. At the post office, at the grocery etc. Most are not use to living on less so they over spend or just plain do without. It isn't fun to be in that place I've been there before. Now, I have learned to live simply. It makes life easier and also lets me have a few things I really want along the way. I find that one peppermint mocha at Starbucks every few weeks makes me happier than one a day. That planning for my sewing days makes me very happy. Or, visiting fabric shops and planning new projects. We cook at home oh so much more and also try to limit our portions as we are both a bit over weight. I'm letting go of friendships I never thought I would and getting new ones that I never believed would happen. I like to keep to myself and enjoy reading Amish books often. I also watch Andy Griffith whenever I can. Seems the program cheers me for some reason. So funny at times. I grew up with it on tv at our house so that might be why I enjoy it. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Christmas seems to come with its own special ability to make one pensive... However, you are correct that by focusing on the reason for the holiday as well as working one's way through it seems to make all the difference.
Keeping our expectations reasonable really makes the difference, I think!
Merry Christmas!
Fix your eyes on the future my friend. I sometimes feel a bit down at Christmas, thinking of all those like my parents who have passed on, but I believe life gets better and better in Christ, He has riches for us in store we can't even imagine, and one day we will be with Him for all eternity. God's Word is comforting me, and I am re-reading Spurgeon's biography, which has proved a lovely antidote to pre-christmas madness. Avoiding shops and doing shopping online has helped too! x
Getting out actually helps me. I don't necessarily hit the more crowded stores, but so far most people I've come across seem to be in a bit more holiday spirit than usual. The spiritual warfare I am waging is that inside my own home -- parenting -- and it is hard to maintain that eternal perspective there. Thanks for all the encouragement!
Merry Christmas. I hope that you have an absolutely wonder-filled week - you are such a gift to so many. I adore your blog and your sweet heart. Sunshine
Found myself fighting a bit of that depression myself earlier this month. I thought of you and the phrase, "do the opposite of what you feel, or the opposite of what the devil wants you to do!" Am feeling better now.
I have to have eye surgery next Tuesday to correct damage done from Grave's disease (auto-immune). I'm kind of bummed that my body continues to be bothered by auto-immune problems. :( I thought I was doing better. Oh well. Am thankful this minor surgery will correct the damage and it can be done before the new year and our insurance "resets" with the very high deductible (praise the Lord!!!).
I love all your snowmen, and the decorations through out your home are just lovely. The nice thing about Snowmen (and Snow-women!) is they can be part of the decor all winter, they don't have to go back into storage come January!
Also, I like to leave Christmas lights in the window until February, when the days become longer. It just helps in those dark January days to feel a bit of cheer.
I pray that you are feeling blessed today - and that your days to come are merry and bright. I love your blog, thanks for blogging.
I think part of the depression of the season comes when we have expectations that are not fulfilled. Brenda, you have been good at continuing the things you love (baking, decorating, watching favorite movies) and enjoying Christmas for what it is this year.
That is wise and an example for us all.
Deanna
A lot of the depression at this time of year is caused by the lack of sunlight. It's dark when we go to work and getting dark when we go home. Sometimes taking some Vitamin D helps.
Most holidays at this time of year have light as a theme-Christmas, Hannukah (Festival of Lights). We need light in the darkness.
A hearty AMEN to "spiritual warfare decorating"! Be of good cheer. He HAS overcome the world. Wishing you and yours a ***Very Merry Christmas!***
Tis the season of the highest hopes and expectations, so tis so easy to feel discouraged and depressed. Families living so far apart is hard. But even if you live closeby, seems things will disappoint too. Hope you are able to feel better soon!!
Elizabeth in NC
With the remaining relatives living so far away and Christmas a family time that brings on memories of times together for me. For a lot of people really. I haven't done much decorating at all this year but have gotten other things that brighten the season for us. I do plan to be able to bring out the bling of Christmas next year. Too many disruptions this past year changed our lives but things are leveling off more and more. I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel and I know Who is walking me to it. Thank you Brenda for your many Christmas posts. I have enjoyed every one. I hope you too are seeing the light. Sarah
Post a Comment