Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Monday, December 23, 2024

CHRISTMAS AT THE COAST(and more bizzare events!)

 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.” (Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)

In our case, that has literally been where He has led us! First came the Bomb Cyclone, which I mentioned in my last post! 

Then on December 5, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California, which prompted a tsunami warning for parts of the California and Oregon coastlines. Praise God, nothing came of that warning.

That was followed by a recent UFO sighting on December 7th. Multiple pilots reported strange, red circular lights zipping around in the sky during flights over Oregon. The sightings occurred near Eugene, with pilots describing the objects as moving erratically at various high altitudes and in corkscrew patterns at extreme speeds. But Air Traffic Control could not see anything in satellite images. The sightings continued along the Oregon coast, up through Washington and even into Alaska over a short period of time!!

Finally, last week we had a second "King Tide", which in some areas brought on another bomb cyclone.

With that being said, I can truly say God has put us here to remind us that He is still in control and man can't predict, nor do we understand a lot of what happens around us!

I'm also reminded that:  "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber." Psalm 121:23  

So, I will"Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord!” This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s timing and faithfulness, even in the midst of uncertainty and waiting." Psalm 27:14

 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The Lord has also led us to find a house and get an accepted offer on it, which was officially confirmed TODAY!!!We have been so excited, yet the path to get us to have a closing has been anything but easy. The sellers weren't able to have everything moved out by closing, so time was allowed for that. We had a home inspection done, which identified many serious issues with the property itself. We are currently working on getting those issues addressed, which has also extended the dates we had hoped for….which has been to move in by Christmas. Unfortunately, it will be a few days after Christmas till we will close on the house. We know God has led us thus far and He will continue to lead us in His timing.

So it looks like we will most likely spend Christmas in our RV by the coast (or at least nearer to the property). 

Being near the coast, we have been able to enjoy a beautiful Christmas light event.

Shore Acres State Park, located on the Oregon Coast, offers a spectacular holiday lights display every winter season. With over 325,000 holiday lights (almost all LED), this dazzling spectacle attracts approximately 50,000 visitors each season to Oregon’s Adventure Coast, making it a beloved “community tradition” and one of the top “Best Of Oregon” destinations. There were SO many displays, I am only sharing some of them below!








There were lots of lighted Christmas pine trees, but I was drawn to this palm tree in the middle of the gardens! 





The Gardener’s House, located within the garden area, is open to visitors, who can explore the house and enjoy the beautiful views of the garden and the Pacific Ocean, while enjoying free cookies and hot cider or coffee.


Guests may also buy tickets to win a unique opportunity to a Christmas Eve overnight stay.
Every room is decorated for the Christmas season….


View from the upstairs bedroom window.

Here is a short video of some of the animated lights caught in motion….
Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Where I go today, I pray it be only in the path You have directed for me.

If I stumble today, I pray it only be into the deep waters of grace You have provided for me.

No matter what storm comes my way and no matter where You lead me, I pray that my eyes will only be focused on You; my Rock and my Stay. Please, God, guide me today for I don’t know what the day may hold, but I do know that You are holding my day! Now, as the Christmas season has once again arrived, may we all dwell upon and be thankful for the ultimate gift, Your one and only Son, Jesus, who came to this earth as a baby, to save each and every one of us!!!

Lord, keep my family and loved ones safe the remaining days of 2024 and in the new year ahead of us.

In Jesus Name, Amen!


-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

"You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip.

You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry,

you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.

No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions

that doomsday’s just around the corner,

Because God will be right there with you;
he’ll keep you safe and sound."

Proverbs 3:23-26 (MSG)





Tuesday, December 11, 2012

It's Christmastime Again!

 
It seems like every year, Christmas gets here way too fast. One minute, we are planning the Thanksgiving meal and the next minute, the decorations are going up. Every year, I tell myself that I'm gonna be more prepared for the Christmas season, so I can truly enjoy it's full meaning.  
Time just seems to speed up during the month of December. This year, our family is enjoying the holiday in our new home on a lake. I wasn't sure how I would adjust to celebrating the birth of Christ in our new, much smaller home. It's an older house and, even though we have already done some remodeling, it still needs some TLC before we have it completed to our liking. 

I'm reminded of how Jesus and his parents celebrated his birth in a unfamiliar town, in a very primitive surrounding. Yet, they found so much joy and gratitude for God's leading them there and His protection. Others came to celebrate the event, as well. But nobody seemed upset or dissatisfied with where they had to go to see the Christ-child. 
This year, it seems like things are simpler. A smaller tree; less room for decorations; and even less gift-giving....yet more time with my family; more peaceful evenings; more time with friends, too. 

When we recently put up the tree and lights, my son came into our house and his first response was, this house is so warm and cozy. Wow!!! That's exactly what we all needed...a more warm and cozy surrounding, where we can truly turn our minds and hearts to that quiet, peaceful evening many years ago, when our Savior was born. Nobody was rushing around to get things done. There weren't panicked people, working overtime to be able to buy everything they wanted. The women weren't in a frenzy, baking all kinds of food to stuff everyone's faces with. Instead...
Kings and shepherds worshipped...
Angels sang glorious songs...
A mother and father rested and rejoiced...

A child slept.

As you celebrate the Christmas Season, remember to sit down, rest, meditate on the Word of God, and concentrate on all He has done for each of us! No big Christmas party is required. Actually, I encourage you to find a "warm and cozy" place, where you can rest in His presence and remember that day 2,000 years ago....the peace, the joy, the love.....

Sharing the gifts He has bestowed upon me every new day through the Joy Dare.

A gift handmade, held, happy
1,134 - handmade: A Christmas light, made with a glass block.(I'll post a photo of it in my next blog post.)
1,135 - held: A baby girl, the daughter of the mom I write to at our local Christian childcare center.
1,136 - happy: When my hubby and I show support and understanding for each other, we both feel so happy in our relationship!

3 gifts with family:
1,137 - Family discussions (most of the time they go well; sometimes they can get heated, though.)
1,138 - Eating at a new Asian Restaurant together.
1,139 - Cutting the Christmas tree together.


3 gifts red:
1,140 - Red bows, tied to my porch lights, blowing in the wind.
1,141 - My red(and black) checked flannel shirt...so warm and comfortable, when it's cold outside.
1,142 -All the beautiful red Poinsettias on display at the floral department at the grocery store.

3 gifts astonishing:
1,143 - 65 degrees on December 3rd.
1,144 - God's patience with me, as I often don't learn from my mistakes/sin and keep doing things I know I shouldn't.
1,145 - It amazes me that Jesus Christ, the very One Who created me and knit me together in my mother's womb, descended from His Throne to take MY punishment so that I could be given His righteousness and a place in Heaven.

December Gifts:
3 gifts white:
1,146 - New, white socks, worn the first time.
1,147 - My white, velor electric blanket....Oh, so warm!
1,148 - Freshly fallen snow, the first snowfall of the season, here in my little Indiana town.

3 gifts bright:
1,149 -The full moon, glowing brightly, as I drive home from work in the nighttime.
1,150 - Outdoor Christmas lights, sparkling brightly, as we drive through town.
1,151 - New LED lights for my Christmas tree.

3 gifts shining:
1,152 - The star shining at the top of our Christmas tree.
 
1,153 - An ornament the says "Shine on me".
1,154 - Candles, burning when the lights are low...giving the room a glow.

 3 gifts silver
1,155 - silver tinsel, shining in the candlelight!
1,156 - My silver wedding band, displaying the eternal love my husband and I have for each other.
1,157 -The silvery-gray hair on my hubby's head...reminds me that we have been together all these years and I still love him so much!

3 gifts sweet
1,158 - Homemade pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling.
1,159 - My sweet friends, who show kindness and constantly show they care about me.
1,160 - My sweet hubby, who surprised me with clean dishes, when I got home from work one day.

3 gifts from your Savior

1,161 - The eternal Son of God, as He prepared to leave heaven and “the bosom of the Father”(John 1:18)
1,162 - Christ descended to Earth to become also “the Son of man,” (our Savior) with “nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20).
1,163 - "Jesus Christ first took up residence on Earth in his mother Mary’s womb, then in a manger. Then in a house in Bethlehem, followed by somewhere in Egypt until the death of King Herod who had tried to kill Him. His dwelling place then was in the home of His foster father, Joseph of Nazaeth, in a despised village. Eventually His “residence” was on the cross on which His enemies could impale Him. And finally, for three days in a borrowed tomb."(Source)

A gift hung, hummed, heard

1,164 - hung: Stockings hung, not by a fireplace(our new house has none), but on a shelf, this year.
1,165 - hummed: Christmas songs. (At a Christmas luncheon, we played "Guess the Christmas song" game)
1,166 - heard: My son, commenting on how cozy and homey our new home is this Christmas season.

3 gifts ugly beautiful
1,167 - Cold, wet, dreary weather lately....glad it wasn't snow.
1,168 - Not having my car for 3 days, as it gets fixed in the shop. Having to drive a rental.
1,169 - My new job; making mistakes, but having an kind and patient boss.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas Break.

I'll be taking several days away from my blogging to celebrate Christmas with my family. My hubby has some time off, starting this weekend, so I'll be ready to share some great stuff with with you after the holidays. I will be checking in now and then. Have a wonderful Christmas and a joyful New Year!!

Linking up with Reflections of His Grace, Internet Cafe', and My Daily Walk: Winsome Wednesday



Joy and Peace to all my bloggy friends!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Tea Lover

I'm not feeling too great today, so I'm kind of making this post a short one, but I did come across some great Christmas tea gift-giving ideas from Pinterest and also a small list of Christmas teas that I haven't tried yet, but hope to very soon.











Christmas Tea Mulling Spice


Cane You Join Me Tea Infuser

Source: modcloth.com via Ann on Pinterest

Personalized Holiday Tea Favors
Source: beau-coup.com via Ann on Pinterest

Christmas Tea Cakes



Awesome covered teacup from Tea forte'

Source: teaforte.com via Ann on Pinterest

Tea Travel Mugs


Books about Tea

Source: amazon.com via Ann on Pinterest


Tea Posters





Holiday Teas I would like to try:

Several flavors of tea - Candy Cane Lane, Gingerbread Spice, 
Nutcracker Sweet, and Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride.



From Republic of Tea - Comfort and Joy Holiday Spice Blend



TAZO Joy Tea

Source: steepster.com via Ann on Pinterest


I'd also like to try making this homemade recipe:

Spiced Holiday Tea

Ingredients
  • 2 cups  water
  • 3   tea bags (unflavored black tea)
  • 4   star anise
  • 1 3-inch-long  cinnamon stick
  • 1 cup  passion fruit nectar
  • 3 tablespoons  honey
  • 2 tablespoons  lemon juice
Directions

1.  In a medium saucepan bring water to boiling. Add tea bags, anise, and cinnamon stick. Reduce heat. simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes. Discard tea bags and cinnamon stick. Stir in nectar, honey, and lemon juice. Heat through.
2.  Pour tea mixture into four heat-proof cups, floating a star anise on top of each. Makes 4 servings.



Have a "TEA"rific  Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!

Linking on over to 


Tea Time Tuesday

Everything is Blooming!!

Well, if it wasn't evident in my last post, it’s definitely very evident this time around!! Spring has sprung!!! We’ve been keeping so ...