Living in the Afterglow of Christmas

A happy, healthy, restful and relaxed day-after-Christmas to all! Many people are returning to their workplaces today, while others are running out for returns and after-Christmas sales, others are simply basking in the thought “Whew! We did it! We survived another Christmas!”

I'll be easing back into my usual routines because, for me, I'm right back where I started this season as I continue to savor the moments of this joyful, blessed time of the year. My little "peace" spot by my fireplace calls my name to embrace the sweet times in my thoughts and memories and my few family photos help me do that. My daughter's family and I stayed home this year where we had quiet and not-so-quiet times of hilarious family game-play and competitions, going to a see a Christmas movie, attending the Christmas Eve service, putting a puzzle together and gift exchanges! Alexia and I were overwhelmed with tears of joy when we opened our new computers. Lord knows I needed one because electrical tape was holding my old one together. I am so grateful. This year brought on new giving traditions from me. Instead of spending a crazy amount of time in the hunt for "the perfect gifts", I started a new tradition of giving a little money. I gave it with a "Cardinal" theme and a "memory" ornament -- thus the photos of each one with me. My Austin crew opened theirs and sent us photos! I'll tell you more about my new tradition tomorrow.

Yes, some of our traditions changed this year as we didn't converge with my Austin crew. It’s okay as we were all together at Thanksgiving and we stayed in close connection with photos of our Christmas experiences even though apart! On Christmas Eve I read our traditional Christmas story via technology with all of us together virtually. And we ate lots of yummy food and delicacies that certainly warrant a conscious effort to get back to healthy and nutritious eating come the new year. Some of our Christmas memories are here, both for my archiving and welcoming you into the little corner of our world!

Maybe you're like me and you want the afterglow of Christmas to linger a little longer. It is such a consolation and reassurance we have in knowing that the incredible GIFT of the baby in the manger, is still here. right now, because He is Emmanuel, 'God With Us' and He is LOVE. Love breathing, love giving, love caring, love dying. Walking where we walk, knowing how we feel, knowing our pain, knowing our disappointments, bearing our sorrows. GOD WITH US -- at work, during play, during mealtime, in the car, washing dishes, hurrying to work, relaxing on the sofa, at church, teaching our children, in good times and bad. God with us.

The afterglow of Christmas is the realization that each new day can be December 25th. Every morning we wake with the assurance that God is with us is real. We can decide daily to start with the angels singing “Glory to God in the Highest.” Let’s let Christmas linger longer. How about right on through to next December 25th? The true gift of Christmas—and each day—is the possibility of acting, thinking, and loving like Jesus.

These Two Gals With Me From the Start

Day 354 of Photo Inspirations -- These Two Gals With Me From the Start
Yesterday Mom (my mom-in-law) and Karen (my sis-in-law) had our little gift exchange before I head to Texas today.  These two gals are so dear to me. We've been together since the very beginning of the courtship of my sweetheart and I.  Mom was always for me.  She and my Mom were in cahoots as they prayed and conspired to help these two kids see the light about our "match made in heaven and on earth".

And, Karen, four years younger than her brother, would sit at our booth when we went to Kip's Big Boy Restaurant after Sunday night church.  Karen would snicker when she'd look under the table and see Ronnie and I holding hands.  

God blessed me with these precious women, who are not only my Mom and Sister (forget that whole "in law" thing), but have been my prayer partners, confidants, encouragers, loving caregivers, and dear friends for 54+ years. They've stood with me during the best of times and the worst of times. When I think of God's blessings....they are right up there at the top.

We were almost rolling from laughter when we were using my selfie stick to get the photo of the three of us.  Mom said, "I just love using that 'mirror'.  We've come a long way in photo technology since the start of our relationship.

For many years, one of my Christmas gifts to Mom is the "Photo Calendar" that I make for her.  I love to be "in the moment" in taking photos throughout the year for the main purpose of putting together her calendar.

Mom loved looking at each page of photos -- some that I pulled from the archives -- like the one of all Mom's grandkids and great grandkids playing her organ, as well as the one of Alexia and Madison in their princess dresses and Payton laughing hysterically at them.   Mom keeps the calendar in a prominent spot in her kitchen.

Before the two gals were ready to head home, we did what we've always done best together.....we prayed earnestly for each other, our families and friends, and for our country.  It was prayer that bound us together years ago and prayer that continues to bind us together today.

And those prayers have stood the test of time......we've seen so many answers to prayer, some of which weren't answered the way we wanted, but the answers came the way God wanted.  Father ALWAYS knows best.  

We'll continue to pray because, of all the uncertainties in this world, there is a CERTAINTY that is unfailing.....God HEARS and ANSWERS our prayers.

I'm so grateful that this beautiful time of the year gives us plenty of opportunities to be thankful for those things that matter most.....those things that money can't buy.....those things that we'll take to eternity with us.  

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,  I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."  Ephesians 1:15