Holly Jolly Blog Hop Pictures - Part 2

Hopefully I'll have time to do a real post before Christmas, but I thought I should at least post a couple more pictures of the decorations and some of last week's snow storm.

This is on the shelf above our washer and dryer:

We've had these carolers for years.  I get excited every time I find them in our Christmas decorations' tub.  I like staring at their little faces and I always imagine I'm one of them.

Now onto the snow pictures, just in time to have more snow!

A final picture - the front of our home from the outside:

Welcome!

I decided to participate in my friend Kristin's, Holly Jolly Blog Hop which is basically a virtual open house, showcasing Christmas decorations and traditions.  This is Part one of the home tour. 

When decorating, we try to keep in mind that our home is a replica of a Victorian farmhouse.  For the past few years, we have only displayed our most favorite Christmas decorations. By doing so, our home is less cluttered and we're better able to focus on the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ. 

These Victorian ladies and a Christmas wreath sit atop a hutch in our Eating Area:

The Jesse Tree and lyrics to "He Made A Way In the Manger," reminds us of how Christ fulfills humanity's need for a Savior:

 

This year, we decided to put our Nativity set in the Music Room:

  

This little tree is placed in the Music Room, too.  I like the miniature gold balls:

Our Library is also the grandchildren's playroom.  So, in addition to displaying Christmas-themed books, we added a bit of whimsy:

Several years ago, my family created a very unique gingerbread house and I have many happy memories of that time we spent together.  Since the house is non-edible, we're able to display it every year:

Our fireplace is located in the Dining Room and is home to these two trees.  At Christmas, we decorate the trees with large, Victorian balls and white lights.  (The painting is of my mother as a little girl):

Finally, here is a picture of the Christmas tree, which is located in the front hallway.  For the past two years, we've decorated the tree with only gold ornaments:

 

Thank you for stopping by!  I'll post part two in a few days.

Remembering 2008

I cannot believe it's already time to say good-bye to another year. As I look at pictures from 2008, I'm amazed at how many events took place.

On the downside of 2008, I still had many health challenges, so I was emotionally, spiritually, and (especially) mentally challenged. The first six months of this year were difficult because of my rib fracture, side effects from flying, and adrenal insufficiency issues. In 2008, I had a life that was often away from any medical-related environment. This meant that each flare up was a reality check to my "new normal;" If ever I wanted to "forget" about HPS, than my body wouldn't let me.

On the upside of 2008, I accomplished some major life goals. I also ventured away from my comfort zone to visit or experience new sites and sounds. The highlights of 2008 definitely include my college graduation, visit to Arizona, and new job. Spiritually, the Lord taught me how to not only accept, but enjoy, His sovereignty on a "daily" basis with "everyday" circumstances and tasks.

I plan to spend some time tonight and tomorrow reflecting on 2008, thanking the Lord for this past year, and seeking His wisdom for the upcoming year. Below are twenty-five other highlights of 2008 (in no particular order):

1. New medical team
2. Grand Rounds
3. Visit with Aunt Marcia
4. Visits with Helen
5. Cousin Heather's wedding
6. Writing a senior thesis
7. Reading comments and posts from friends
8. Receiving and playing my home-made harp
9. Visit with Jim and Sandy Coffman
10. Learning about digital photography and photo editing
11. Visit with Jim and Vicki Campbell and the Sipe Family
12. Doing the Psalms of Ascents and Joshua Bible studies
13. Seeing the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Flagstaff, Arizona
14. Birth of nephew Nehemiah Bruce Paul Campbell
15. Visit to Buchanan with my family
16. Qavah's adoption finalization
17. Volunteering at the Blue Ridge Women's Center
18. Working at the Blue Ridge Independent Living Center
19. Dad's job at Atlas Copco
20. Frequent visits with my Grandparents
21. Christmas celebrations
22. Re-decorating, re-organizing, and re-cleaning the house (including using the Rug Doctor)
23. The Federal, State, and Local elections (especially in regard to Sarah Palin)
24. Making new, meaningful friendships
25. Scrapbooking

Memories

I'm sad to see the weekend finish. It's been a wonderful holiday season, even with the medical issues. In some ways, the recent flare ups and pain I've experienced made the Christmas season even more special than if I had been completely healthy. Every individual event I was able to participate in was a time to praise the Lord, shout for joy, and capture the moments in my heart.

At the very beginning of December, I received a Musicmakers catalog in the mail. The front cover quickly caught my attention, because it reminded me of a Norman Rockwell painting. Over the last several weeks, I have looked at the picture many times. As Christmas approached, I would glance at the magazine cover and pray that my holiday would be similar. I longed for the simplistic, family-cenetered celebration the children were experiencing in the picture.

Tonight, I am in awe of God's goodness as I recall this year's Christmas celebrations. I can state with confidence that this December was better than the Victorian image engraved in my mind at the beginning of this month. While there were sorrows, there were also many more days filled with laughter and excitement. The Lord "out did Himself" with the blessings... Hallelujah!

"Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room"

I love to prepare for celebratory events such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Birthdays. Don't you? The gifts, the food, the decorations, and the glow on my guests cheerful faces brings me great delight. I believe human excitement over preparations stems from God's joy in preparing a way to bring mankind back to Himself after the fall of Adam and Eve. That plan centered around His perfect son, beginning with Jesus Christ's birth as a human baby boy. The Bible books of Isaiah, Matthew, and Luke record God's preparations and Jesus' birth story.

Like with all human events, there were many details surrounding Jesus Christ's entrance on Earth. God didn't choose just any human man to be an earthly father to His son, but rather one that was from the "house and line of [King] David" (Luke 2:4). Likewise, a virgin woman by the name of Mary was chosen to be Jesus' earthly mother. After receiving the news from an angel, Mary prepared her heart, mind, and body for her divine task and then she gave birth to baby Jesus at the appointed hour. Earthly relatives, shepherds, barn animals, wise men, and even a star joyfully prepared for Jesus Christ's arrival.

As with some Earthly events, though, there were a few party spoilers related to Christ's birth. The innkeeper and King Herod are the famous ones. Their hearts prepared for Jesus Christ's entrance, but not in a welcoming way. King Herod, especially, symbolizes the bigger picture of humanity's innate sin and struggle for independence apart from God.

Of course, the Lord knew from the Creation of Earth what evil would quickly befall humanity. So, He prepared a plan for the salvation of mankind that included Jesus Christ's humble birth, holy life, horrible death, and heavenly resurrection. A just and perfect Christ died for an imperfect world. Then He rose again on the third day to conquer all sin and death.

The best news is that God is not done planning! For believers in Jesus Christ, there is eternal reconciliation and rest with God in Heaven. In John 14:2-3 Jesus states, "In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

To be saved from all sin and eternal separation from God, humans must individually admit their sin, believe, and confess Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Taking part in God's salvation plan can happen today. There's no better time to "prepare Him room" than Christmas Day when celebration is focused on the beginning of God's salvation plan... the Earthly birth and life of Jesus Christ.

John 3:16-17:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

Christmas Memories

It was another busy day. I had an eye doctor appointment this morning that went well. I am grateful the ophthalmologist didn't use the eye drops, because they hurt so much! My eye prescription did change in just one year's time, so this afternoon, Mom and I went to Lenscrafters to get new glasses. I bought a stylish and light weight pair. Most importantly, I can now see better.

My family is beginning to put the decorations away, as our focus turns to work and school. However, many wonderful memories were made during December. I am still marveling at God's goodness in settling my body, so I could participate in the Christmas festivities. Click on the link below to view a slide show of the Christmas scrapbook I made this week. I received the scrapbook as a gift; it was so much fun putting it together! Thanks to Mom for helping me create the pages. To view the scrapbook, click on this link (the pink text): Christmas 2007 Scrapbook

Christmas Miracles

So many of you prayed and hoped that I would be able to enjoy Christmas this year with my family. You also prayed that I would be able to eat again. I believe the Lord rewarded your prayers, hearts’ desires, and faith, because I’ve had four wonderful days in a row!

Saturday was a difficult day in that I was not able to get out of bed until late evening. However, it was a good day in that I had many hours of peaceful sleep. After resting again on Sunday morning, I was able to wake up in time to help Mom with last-minute preparations before family and friends arrived, starting at 5:30pm. Sunday evening, our home was filled with laughter, singing, meaningful conversations, scripture reading and joyful tears. Except for a brief nap while everyone ate supper, I was on my feet the entire time Sunday night. I even assisted Mom with the cleaning after the company left! I went to bed Sunday grateful for a wonderful evening, but still having a cautious attitude knowing that my body may not be up to another full day of celebrations.

Well, after sleeping the entire night without pain medication, I woke up yesterday morning refreshed. I even surprised my grandparents at the breakfast table with my presence, since I had already said goodbye to them the night before in case I wasn’t able to get up in time to see them leave. Monday was a leisure and fun day. I was able to play with Qavah while Mom and Dad did some last-minute errands. Then, last night we had our immediate family Christmas. This time, I not only joined everyone at supper, but I also ate some of the scrumptious food! Then, we opened gifts. Fortunately, Colin has a video camera, so we were able to capture Qavah’s first Christmas with her “forever family”. As with Sunday night, my health stabilized enough for me to stay with everyone throughout the entire evening’s festivities! And finally, today has been another “near-normal” day. We had breakfast this morning as a family, before Colin, Jenn and Annelise had to leave and Paul Burton had to go to work.

Regular readers of this website will know how quickly my health changes. Therefore, my family has learned over the past seventeen months to enjoy the “good” days to the fullest. However, it is rare that I’ve had four absolutely wonderful days with minimal or no pain, no spasms, and no electrolyte imbalance issues. Today, I’m rejoicing that I had the opportunity to truly celebrate the Saviour’s birth with friends and family, instead of imagining the events from my bedroom.

Many pleasurable memories were created over the last four days and soon, I will post pictures to show you the Christmas miracles of 2007. However, for now, I want to close with the lyrics of one of my favorite Holiday songs. The birth of Jesus was only the prelude to God’s symphony of human redemption and eternal salvation. This song captures the essence of Christ and His ministry, which began as a tiny baby wrapped in swalding clothes in a little town called Bethlehem.
He Made a Way in a Manger (Integrity Music)

Longing for a savior
A hopeless world would wait
Sin demanded justice
At a price we could not pay
But God displayed his mercy
The greatest gift of love
When we could not reach heaven
Heaven came to us

He made a way in a manger
A way to the cross
Messiah the promised
Before time had begun
For God so loved this world
Though he knew what love would cost
He made a way in a manger
To make a way to the cross

In Bethlehem a stable
Became a throne of grace
As God himself our Savior
Drew near to take our place
His mother smiled in wonder
As shepherds stood in awe
The sacrifice of heaven
Lay sleeping in the straw

He is the life that died our death
The precious Lord Jesus
Laid down his sweet head

He made a way in a manger
A way to the cross
Messiah the promised
Before time had begun
For God so loved this world
Though he knew what love would cost
He made a way in a manger
To make a way to the cross

Away in a manger, no crib for his bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay

Comments:

1. Adam Says:
   December 25th, 2007 at 2:41 pm e

   Wow, that’s really a blessing that you’ve had such great days over Christmas!

2. Bob, Amy, Emily, Meredith and Abby Says:
   December 25th, 2007 at 8:53 pm e

   Katy,

   What a joy to hear of your wonderful health over the last several days. Thanks be to God for His indescribeable gift—-of your health over these last few days!!! We have had a wonderful Christmas here and look forward to seeing your family soon, I hope.

   ~Amy and family

3. Jennifer S. :) Says:
   December 25th, 2007 at 10:08 pm e

   Dear Katy,
   While I have not been as faithful a commentor as usual, I nonetheless have been reading each day and praying for ya’ll. I praise God for the wonderful health He’s blessed you with for the past four days! What amazing Christmas memories you’ve been able to make. I’m so glad you were able to share in Qavah’s first Christmas with her forever family. We had a great Christmas here as a family and I was thankful for a break from work, even if it was just for a long weekend. I pray your good health continues!!
   Love and prayers,
   Jen

4. Sandy Says:
   December 25th, 2007 at 10:32 pm e

   A Christmas miracle indeed! This is wonderful news and an answer to so many prayers. God is good!

   Sandy

5. Karen Tillman Says:
   December 25th, 2007 at 10:47 pm e

   Katy,
   I am so grateful that many prayers have been answered for you to be able to enjoy Christmas, and am honored to have been able to participate in that with so many people. I am still praying that you continue to have many more good days to come, and even more in the New Year.
   Love Always
   Karen Tillman

6. Lillian Oliveira Says:
   December 26th, 2007 at 12:16 am e

   Katy, my heart’s prayer for many weeks has been that God would give you better days at Christmas to celebrate His birth! I am so glad so many others were joining me in that prayer and that Jesus has granted it! I’m sure the family times have been very wonderful, and especially the devotional times when everyone could take part with sincere devotion to the Lord God we love and serve. May the year ahead be one of many victories and successes - in your health and in the spiritual realm! I have a couple of picturesque Christmas memories I’ll share with you later. Love, Aunt Lil

7. Lael Moreland Says:
   December 26th, 2007 at 12:03 pm e

   Katy!!! What an enormous blessing! Praise the Lord!! My heart is so joyful right now for you. I can only imagine how wonderfully exciting it must have been for you to be a part of the celebrations. And to see Qavah enjoy it as well. That must have been so much fun!
   I am having a wonderful time over here in Norfolk with the family. It has been a nice time to sleep in, rest, and forget about work and school. And of course it is always entertaining to watch the kids open their gifts Christmas morning. They are currently running around in their night clothes at 12:00 in the afternoon playing with their new toys.
   I hope to see you when I get back in town. I pray that your good health would continue, and praise God for the blessings He has given already.
   Love you Katy!

8. jes Says:
   December 27th, 2007 at 10:25 am e

   Hey Katy!
   I’m so thankful for these amazing days! It really is a gift from the Lord. I know how you have longed to have a pain free Christmas - where you could participate, enjoy the preperations and festivities surrounding Jesus’ birthday. What a blessing! I’m so happy for you - because I know how much you wanted that and because I know you truely will cherish these memories and they will sustain you in the months to come!

   We had a wonderful Christmas as well! I could totally relate to your mom’s comments about Qavah singing Happy Birthday as she was washing her hands. Noah and Lydia randomly break into the birthday song while playing with a new toy. We had a cake for Jesus and the kids made Him birthday cards. Noah wanted to know if he could take his to Jesus up in heaven and we said “not yet, but He knows all about your card and he loves it”….to which Noah replied “Mom, I really want to take it to him”….When I asked him why he said “Because I love him and he takes my sins”…it made me cry! I’m so thankful this year for the innocence of children - who help us see things through their eyes - with a newness and sense of wonder!

   We love you Katy and are so thankful for your good days!
   Jess