Saturday, December 31, 2022

DECEMBER

 "O LORD my God,  
You have performed many wonders for us. 
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them."
Psalm 40:5



12.01.22
It was a real life Amy Grant "Heirlooms" moment when I discovered this bag
of Christmas treasures from my childhood that my Mom had given my last year. 
Quite a few tears later, I was able to appreciate the beauty of these memories,
and the gift it is that Mom had kept and then shared them with me.



12.02.22
Miracle on 34th Street | Athens Community Theatre
Very proud of my Dad for giving his time and talents to bring JOY 
through his participation in this season's ACT offering!
I loved seeing him surrounded and supported by longtime friends on Opening Night ❤



12.03.22
The Kentucky Crew pulled off a super sweet surprise for "Dr. Pierce",
so Grantch had even more fans cheering him on for night two onstage!



12.04.22
My heart and body are weary and weak,
 but I wanted to join our church family to worship our Savior this morning.
However when I got to church, about a hundred or so things fought for my attention.
And most of those things were making me sad...
Then I started thinking how that first Christmas was Jesus coming for a hurting world. 
I sang these words, talking with God, tears streaming down my face...

"O Come, Thou King of nations, bring an end to all our suffering
Bid every pain and sorrow cease and reign now as our Prince of Peace
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come again with us to dwell." 

...and then I felt a new presence in the row with our family...
Looking down, seeing this sweet redheaded little guy was a kind answer from God
that He sees and He hears me when I tell Him what is on my heart. 
Thank you, Lord for listening to the cries of my heart.
Thanks, Wil for coming to join us for worship at the just right time today ♡

and then later....
Pure Joy seeing this beauty grace the stage as Clara!
But even more joy seeing her happily run off to greet the "big girls" in the audience !



12.05.22
"A friend is a friend at all times,
and a brother (sister) is born for the time of adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Very thankful for my loyal friend who finds creative ways for us to connect!
This morning's parking lot coffee date full of laughs refreshed my soul!



12.06.22
My Dad has always been up for trying new things.
Had some fun today helping him out a little with his latest endeavor



12.07.22
It's a rainy week around here, 
 and my body has had some not kind things to say about that.
So today I'm thankful for the good gift of 
 comfy pants, cozy socks, and this view from my corner of the couch!



12.08.22
Am glad for one more chance to enjoy these delightful performers 



12.09.22
Bradley's  | Knoxville, TN
Made the most of a day in the "big" city with Emma
and really enjoyed finding Christmas gifts in this new to me shop 
with a wonderful window display!!



12.10.22
Listening to Christmas carols and enjoying wrapping gifts for people I love
Even better than packages with bows though is this:

"For this is how God loved the world: 
He GAVE His one and only Son,
so that everyone who believes in Him 
will not perish but have eternal life. 
God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world,
but to save the world through Him."
John 3:16-17



12.11.22
So happy to receive this sweet and beautiful, hand stitched gift today!
Even happier though that the dear, thoughtful giver is part of my life!
Thank you for your kindness, Ellie!



12.12.22
Thank you, God for sunshine in the sky on this Monday morning!
So grateful to get to start the week "Walking with Words"!!



12.13.22
Hooray for sweet fellowship with my Faithful Friend



12.14.22
Ramble Creek  owners, culinary staff, and management outdid themselves 
caring for and making Emma and Alex feel special today!
I loved being included! 



12.15.22
Nashville, TN
Enjoying this different view tonight with my best guy!



12.16.22
The Listening Room
What a treat to enjoy these talented newcomers making their way in Music City!



12.17.22
The Ryman 
Thanks, Amy Grant and Vince Gill for Christmas Cheer and
good old fashioned singalong worship in The Mother Church tonight!!!

Good Gift 2.0 for the evening
So festive and fun...good food and laughter too!
and thanks to the kind girl who came to our aid for this photo!



12.18.22
Overwhelmed by generosity to be included in family Christmas celebrating 
with some Cool Cousins who sure know how to cook and love Jesus!! 



12.19.22
Thank you, Hollingsworth family for sharing your front yard 
with SO MANY of us for Christmas parade watching merriment!! 



12.20.22
"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine."
Isaiah 9:2

Quiet mornings in December are some of my very favorite things



12.21.22
Christmas Caroling brought all kinds of JOY

The day started a bit stressful and like I just might have put too many things on my agenda. 
But God...
God had another thing in mind for my day...and my heart.
As our group of friends sang songs about our coming King, more of my Dominion friends gathered.
And when we sang familiar Christmas tunes, more and more of them joined the singing. 

"Oh, our hearts, as busy as Bethlehem
Hear Him knock, don't say there's no room in the inn
Through the cradle, cross, and grave
See the love of God displayed
Now He's risen and He reigns
Praise the Name above all names!

Prepare Him room
Prepare Him room
Let the King of glory enter in"
Prepare Him Room | Sovereign Grace Music

Thank you, Lord for knowing exactly what my heart needed today!



12.22.22
A lot looks different this year, 
but this will never change...

" For this is how God loved the world:
He gave His one and only Son, 
so that everyone who believes in Him 
will not perish but have eternal life.
God sent His Son into the world
not to judge the world, 
but to save the world through Him."
John 3:16-17



12.23.22
'Tis the Season for all kinds of yummy goodness on our festive plates!
But what I'm extra grateful for today is a SWEET visit with an even sweeter family!
Thank you, Ramsays for making these treats for us and making our day with your company!!



12.24.22
Thanking the LORD for JOY and His presence today.
My sweet friend, Joy, here with her dear family...
and the joy of God's perfect timing for a popover visit!!
The day was full~
* fun last minute shopping with Emma
* reading and visiting with friends at Dominion
* cooking and preparing for time with family
But God made sure this quick drop in happened at the just right time!!
I love this family!!!

and then...
as the day came to a close...
He gave me the gift of His PEACE...
Thanking HIM for frequent reminders of His love and care this season

by Anne Wilson 

He's healing for the broken and He's home for all the lost
He's comfort for the weary, sent from Heaven just for us
So you don't have to hide your questions deep within your soul
Emmanuel already knows

Bring your wounded heart to the manger
Fall down at the feet of the King
When thrills of hope don't find you
He loves you just the same
You don't have to be OK
Just because it's Christmas

O come and adore Him
O come and adore Him
Feel the wonder once again
O come and adore Him 



12.25.22
Christmas Day | 12:38 am

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of His government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over His kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."
Isaiah 9:6-7

Amen





12.26.22
A GLORIOUS start to the day!! 
and then...
Surprised by joy and laughs!
FaceTime inventors are my heroes!



12.27.22
Moments like these with this one sure are sweet! 
(eek! and exciting too!)



12.28.22
Hooray for a warm weather walk! 
-and taking my friend along via Marco Polo 😄



12.29.22
Again, with my gratitude for the FaceTime inventors!
So thankful this sweet one wanted to call me to report in after her surgery today!
Turns out she's just as brave, smart, and funny even without her tonsils!! 



12.30.22
What a joy to witness this birthday girl being loved back by those whom she has loved so well!!



12.31.22
"LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
You have set Your glory in the heavens."
Psalm 8:1

GREAT is the LORD 
and WORTHY to be praised!
Oh, this year had heartache that I was not prepared for in any way.
BUT GOD!
God has been WITH me every single step of the way!
I've said it countless times over the course of these past 365 days,
"Without Jesus, I would be sunk. Sunk for sure."

But Praise the Lord, even on the days I feel myself sinking, 
I am not going to stay there.

Emmanuel- GOD WITH US
Yesterday - Today - Tomorrow

"May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in HOPE."
Romans 15:13