Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Paper, Stars, Angels and Thoughts of the Season

Christmas time is here.
Happiness and cheer.
Fun for all the children call
their favorite time of year.


Snowflakes in the air...
Beauty everywhere....

Oh that we could always see such spirit
through the year. 

*************
Those words belong to a song that I
learned for the Christmas season.
And yes. 
There is so much beauty everywhere.

What have you been doing?
My days have been filled with
the work, wonder and 
excitement of the season.

There's always an abundance of it all.
But in spite of all that...

Time has been waltzing so slowly
through these past couple of weeks. 
It has been the most peaceful of Christmas'
that I can remember.

There's a quiet acceptance of the things that
I can't get to and a deep contentment that has washed over 
our home. We're still "doing" and "going" but
not quite as much and with a different heart.

This Christmas seems to have brought an introspection
and attentiveness to pray for others.
I'm sure this has been one of the very things
that keeps me counting my blessings.
Which are many.

Here's a sampling of moments from
our Christmas memories so far...

*a surprise visit from distant travelers...
*a gathering of daughters to practice our song of hope..
*making cut out cookies to frost and share...
*waiting for the cranberry pecan bread to come out of the oven..
*watching Christmas movies..
*taking in the excitement of bright-eyed children
*tending the ever-hungry fire in our wood stove...

AND
so many more.

 And I always have such good
intentions to share about them.

Such as The Christmas in My Heart books.
If you are a read aloud family or just
like to read stories that will warm your heart
and build your faith or just make you laugh,
you will love these books. 
Some of the stories are true. 
Some very, very old.

 Many of our books are falling apart
  and have the bindings burned off.
It was almost Christmas, 9
years ago that our house burned.
But we don't want to replace them
because every time we read a story,
we record something memorable
about that day or week!

One thing that I have not done much of is blogging.
I have just been at such a loss for words
and have been so touched by so many blogger
friends as they share their hearts
and wonder.

I can't seem to get passed
the thoughts of reverence and awe for
this season of hope that has settled
in my heart.
Why is it that anything seems possible during  
 the Christmas season?
Faith abounds and hope just seems
to rise up!

 But I decided to go ahead 
and share a handful of photos of some of my work and
just a few other things that have held some special 
meaning for me.
I'm hoping that all of you are enjoying your days.  
Peace and joy to you.
Thank you so much for coming by.

~Warmest of wishes~
Tamara xo

7 comments:

Roosterhead Designs said...

Tamara, I'm so glad to hear this Christmas isn't "rushing by" and you have been able to savor the days spent doing the things you love! : )
I looked thru your wonderful post, Ooooing and Ahhhing over your images; and such beautiful creations! I love the paper cone wreath, and the 2 single paper cones. I started (my first) 2 cones but never finished! LOL *sigh* All of the yummies! and your sweet stars and tree photo's are beautiful with a homespun warmth and peacefulness.
Merry Christmas! And God bless you, Karen O

suziqu's thread works said...

Such a lovely post Tamara. Thank you for sharing your Christmas preparations with us. I love your sweet creations and, believe it or not, that wonderful stack of firewood - precious is this and the hands that put it all in place. I know about these things living on the land!
Share some love, peace, joy and happiness with your family and may the coming New Year bring you much inspiration and hope!
xox Suzy

Kezzie said...

Your posts are always full of heart dear Tamara and I had really enjoyed getting to know you through them this year! Your artistry is astounding and I love seeing it alongside your love for God!
Merry Christmas!x

Junkchiccottage said...

Lovely post from a lovely and inspiring friend. May you enjoy all that tonight and tomorrow brings to your heart.
Many blessing Tamara. Merry Christmas.
Kris

Tamara said...

Thank you so much lovely, sweet friends! Your comments always bless me so. I hope that your christmas was divine. Life is so full and can you believe that we soon will have the amazing new year before us? We will continue to walk out our destiny one day at a time! Blessings to all of you and thank you for coming by. I look forward to many more visits to YOUR places of inspiration.

Hugs
Tamara <3

Sea Gypsy said...

I am so glad you left a comment, for it brought me to your beautiful blog and I enjoyed my visit so much and I will be back!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What a beautiful post. Love your sweet creations and your inspiring words. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebration.