Christmas and Reflections of 2021
This year is drawing to a close. As we think of spending Christmas with our family, our thoughts also go to the reflections of 2021. This year has been full of mostly joy for our family, with a few exceptions here and there. We gained a son-in-law this year! That was one of the highlights of the year as our oldest daughter married the love of her life. Our youngest daughter was busy being awesome and being inducted into the American Christian Honor Society. What a distinct honor, as it not only reflects her incredible grades but also her impeccable character as well. Ah, sweet blessings from God above!
While we were protected from Covid-19, others have not been so lucky. They either came down with it themselves or had a family member with it. There has been wide debate on both sides for and against the vaccines, with each side having their reasons for being passionate about their perspective.
We lost our precious teacup Yorkie this year, which crushed my heart completely. Baby was nine years old when she passed. We were told early on that due to her smaller organs, she would not live as long as other pets. Even still, we made sure to pack a whole lot of love into those years we had with her.
A family member was urged to have surgery and not put it off any longer, so that surgery will take place in the beginning of 2022. Please pray for no complications, God’s hand on all staff treating and tending to them, and a speedy recovery.
Sadly, we have either lost friends this year or have drifted away from those we were once close with. Things happen, and relationships either stand the test of time, or they don’t. Either way, we are thankful for the lessons learned. We hold the memories made close to our hearts, and we wish them well on whatever path they have chosen to go down without us by their side in life.
Family trips were taken, and we basked in the warm sun on beautiful islands! From frolicking on sandy shores in Florida, South Carolina, and even Hawaii, too, we embraced travel once again when we were so limited in 2020 due to Covid emerging and shutting places down, crippling the economy.
Love was shared. Happiness was found in hearts. God brought us safely through it all, and here we are preparing to celebrate His birthday.
Let your heart not be troubled as you think of Christmas and reflections of 2021 with your family. God is still in control, just like He has always been. He’s still there on the mountaintop, and He will still be there when we go through valleys.
Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful, beautiful life and the family and friends we share it with. May we keep Christmas in our hearts all year through.
25 Days of Christmas
The holiday season is such a wonderful time. As we approach Thanksgiving, right on through Christmas and New Year’s, there is such a joy and sense of warmth surrounding us. I wish we all could keep this feeling throughout the entire year.
If you’re having trouble, as some folks do, getting into the Christmas spirit, Arlene Pellicane has written 25 Days of Christmas to help! Consider not only downloading and reading her free e-book, but put her ideas and suggestions into practice with your own family. Include your little ones, and your husband, too, as you go through this devotional that links activities along with her personal memories. There are even cookie recipes found within the pages, and I plan to put those recipes to good use! (Thank you, Arlene!) Together with your family and Arlene’s suggestions, you are bound to create memories this holiday season!
Arlene has provided 10 devotionals, 10 family activities, and five ways to serve this Christmas season. Assuring Christ is the center of this season is of the utmost importance, and Arlene gives us scripture to consider as we take in the sights and sounds around us and prepare for Christmas day. As you go through this e-book, you will see that it’s more than a daily devotional or advent calendar. Busy families will benefit with these meaningful opportunities to celebrate the birth of Jesus and connect together as a family on a deeper level this holiday season.
If you like what you read in Arlene’s e-book, check out The Happy Home Podcast/AccessMore podcast network!
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Many thanks to AccessMore for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.
Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us. For many, this is not a happy time for them. Their hearts are hurting from losing loved ones dear to them. We are no different, as we have loved ones in Heaven we miss daily.
Our city just held their annual Angel of Hope event this past Saturday. A monument was erected 12 years ago of an angel with wings outstretched as if to welcome and embrace children taken too soon from this world. My sister’s name is among the names called and pictures displayed during the annual memorial service. It never gets easy as you hold flowers and take the slow, lonely stroll down the brick walkway where the angel sits at the end. Right behind the angel to the left is a plaque we donated to the city for my sister. Every year my parents and I take this heartbreaking walk. As we are standing at my sister’s plaque, my dad will kiss his hand and place it on my sister’s name. After every name has been called, candles are lit for our loved ones. As a song plays, memories flood in right along with the tears.
Be kinder than you usually are, especially during the holiday season. You never know what a person is going through. The person standing right next to you in line at the grocery store might just be fighting back tears as they try to hold it together.
Choose kindness … every time.
And
Pray for all those hurting during the holiday season.
