Warm Winter Thoughts

Winter in the South is a real change for a gal that spent most of her life in Minnesota. 

This is what I looked out upon in our Minnesota home.

This is our third winter and everyday is an experience worth having.  We've only enjoyed one real snow fall.  It was only three or four inches of snow that graced our warm southern soil.  We knew it wouldn't last but we treated it as though it was a holiday. 

Our community is ill equipped for snow removal and why should they, it only snowed once in the two full winters we have been here.

Children and parents alike pulled out the sled they store from year to year in hopes for just that, a sliding holiday.  Also knowing that the road we drive on is turned into a sliding slop and will be safe for at least one day. 

If the snow doesn't come we enjoy our gardens of winter plants and marvel at their growth.  For example, Saturday two weeks ago, I worked in the garden at my Home Depot.  Because it was 76 degrees, I sold more pansy's than the full week and in between I sold Christmas trees.  At the end of each transaction I wished the person "Merry Christmas," as I peered into their eyes I saw a smile, they also knew the weather wasn't matching the season.  But with a warm smile on their face Merry Christmas was their reply. 

With every experience, I find a memory that will be mine.  It's my gift to me.

Advent equals Event

I always loved the lighting of the Advent Candles. I thought of them as a candle calendar that would remind me of how much time I had left to get everything done leading to the big event...Christmas.

I made sure all was done before the fourth candle, which is light purple, was lit.  I believed that the week before Christmas was for me.  To watch Christmas movies and stay out of the last minute shoppers way.  I believe that most don't have the Christmas spirit, how they treat others around them proves it. 

Last Sunday as the first candle was proudly shining and Father Joe was finishing his Homily it hit me like a rock. It was as if I had never heard it before.  Maybe it was the way it was said. I don't know but my ears and my heart was really open for the first time. 

Here's the scoop. 

Every Advent we take the time to reflect. What you ask?  If you died, or simpler if God came to see YOU, would you be ready? 

Also, the Christmas season for Catholics start on Christmas day, while others are calling the holiday over we start it.  I hope your family has tradition that warms your heart. Brings tears to your eyes when you think on the previous holiday.  But most of all I hope you give Jesus a little time during your festivities.

For me I had better get to reflecting.  I too have far to travel before He comes to see me.

God Bless all those who travel through my little blog.
Carol

Something so small.

This morning I struggled to write on my blog.  I'm sometimes at loss for words.  I know my family and friends can hardly believe it.  But it's true that writing is a talent and I am not that talented at writing. I write from my heart, when my heart is hurt, it's hard to start.  But the other day I received a card that really warmed my heart. 

I wanted to share it. It's not the person that sent it, she is always there to make me feel special .It was the card it's self.  It was not only a hand crafted card, after looking at it and turning it over, I noticed it was made by my sister.

What a great day.

And thanks to Bossy Betty, for your post today. You warmed my heart.

God Bless to those traveling through my little blog.
Carol