Monday, December 31, 2012

Moving

Joy In The Journey has moved to a new address and this particular blog will no longer be updated. . Please click below to be re-directed. If you choose to continue being a follower, would you please add your name to the new follower list.  And don't forget to bookmark this new address!

Thanks a lot!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Christmas according to cats.

Since cats are, well...... cats, they seem to have a more difficult time getting into the Christmas spirit.







This will probably be my last post until after Christmas so may I wish you all a wonderful, blessed Christmas. 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Mom's lap quilt finished!



I had all sorts of trouble with the backing but all in all, I think Mom will appreciate it.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Working up that Christmas joy

The excitement and anticipation of Christmas came early this year. The first week of November, I was ready to begin decorating and watching Christmas movies. I refrained from the decorating until right after Thanksgiving but I did sneak in a Christmas movie or two thanks to the Hallmark channel.

I'm so glad that things began that way. It seems by the second week in December, life and its sometimes stark reality took hold. A dear friend died, my mother's condition began worsening and unspeakable tragedies happened at a Connecticut school.  Money is very tight which has limited Christmas activities as well as my favorite part of the season - giving to others. It's been hard to recapture that Christmas joy.

I woke up this morning with a start and the realization that Christmas Day is one week away!  The Christmas dinner menu is planned and mostly purchased. My gift to Mom is almost finished. My grandson, Caleb and his wife, Erin will be here Christmas Eve to spend the night and the next day with us. All I need is a new dose of Christmas joy.

I'm learning that how you feel is all a decision that begins with you. I miss the excitement of Christmases past with the laughter of little ones in the house. I miss that magical feeling I felt each Christmas Eve as the clock turned over to midnight. I've dwelt on all that I miss the last few days, especially since the tragedy in Connecticut.  I've even had "George Bailey" moments wondering just how much my life has affected others.

I really can't answer that last question with any effectiveness. I can tell you how the life of a little baby born in a manger over 2000 years ago has affected my life.  I do have so much to be thankful for and this Christmas represents another year that He has brought me through some difficult situations.

This year I will have laughter in the house once again - if I know my grandson! His infectious sense of humor will definitely make things interesting. I'll get to meet Erin for the first time. I already love her!

Most of all, I am going to stop striving to work up that Christmas joy and let Jesus bring it to me. He has promised us "joy unspeakable and full of glory.". 

Monday, December 17, 2012

My Simple Woman's Day Book

It's Monday and time for my Simple Woman's Day Book. To visit, just click here.