tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post1174545738114807293..comments2023-04-06T10:35:16.802-04:00Comments on The Beautiful Matters: Taking moments to breathe and be gratefulDeborah Montgomeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-82803237846167330302015-12-21T23:46:14.448-05:002015-12-21T23:46:14.448-05:00Dearest Deborah,
It sounds like you are feeling li...Dearest Deborah,<br />It sounds like you are feeling like I am... Every year it is harder and harder to stay focused on the Advent and Christmas season as the world around us is pushing THAT part way off. It hurts and it worries me as to where this world is going to end up with.<br />It was easier in The Netherlands as the gift giving mainly is on St. Nicholas Day, on December 5/6. Christmas always was for the Family, human Family and heavenly Family. But sure they too are trying to push for the $$$ religion that has more power. Sad fact but what can we do?!<br />Today after supper Pieter and I were discussing that at length. I'd made chocolates and used that for my blog post. Like you, I had not much that I felt like writing about. Also it is a slow time as everyone is so busy with their commercial obligations... Not us. We never ever have given in to the gift giving. We already do have so much compared to so many! We've done some gift giving for friends but also that is less and less. It should not become a burden to anyone. I'm afraid that way too many give in to it while deep down they have no means for paying for all those gifts!<br />The need for real Peace in our world is more needed than ever as there is so much uncertainty for so many of us... Evil lurks around every corner it seems like.<br />Just wholeheartedly I can underwrite your sentence: The real reason for Christmas -- Jesus -- and that no amount of banning Him from the public square can take Him from my heart.<br />Sending you hugs,<br />MarietteMariette VandenMunckhof-Vedderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16877699174880945452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-63716790792986308942015-12-20T13:14:50.933-05:002015-12-20T13:14:50.933-05:00What Deb said :)
This season has been filled wit...What Deb said :) <br /><br />This season has been filled with so much bad stuff that a post like this make me feel the Christmas spirit, so thank you.<br /><br />I haven't posted all my decor yet either, so don't feel bad. We'll get to it when we get to it ;)<br /><br />xo,<br />rueRuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12110133467260748245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-57208550756987940152015-12-20T11:58:57.047-05:002015-12-20T11:58:57.047-05:00Well this post is more in the Spirit of Christmas ...Well this post is more in the Spirit of Christmas than 50 fancy home tours put together :) Just sayin' :) Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13091419343402163298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-83801376533006302542015-12-17T22:32:46.166-05:002015-12-17T22:32:46.166-05:00Thankfulness never goes out of fashion and brings ...Thankfulness never goes out of fashion and brings us joy . When I actually take time to list all I am thankful for I realize there is no end to blessings ,even in poverty and tragedy. I love this post !KathyB.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13076933273610590290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-82509629676543331062015-12-17T19:52:06.885-05:002015-12-17T19:52:06.885-05:00What a lovely post, Deborah. Yesterday, I was in ...What a lovely post, Deborah. Yesterday, I was in Philadelphia for tea w/my Culture Vulture friends (You know all about that from my previous posts.) and do some shopping. It was a beautiful day. In the train on the way home, while everyone's head was bent over his/her cell phone, I was looking at them, studying them and wondering about their lives. I did it openly and unabashedly, since I knew they would never lift their eyes to see me looking at them. I love to people watch, and, oddly enough, cell phones make that easier, since no one seems to notice you looking at them. <br /><br />Cheers, M-TMarie-Thérèsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06834644226980732441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-39508153112778103832015-12-17T15:49:02.889-05:002015-12-17T15:49:02.889-05:00These are beautiful thoughts, Deborah, and filled ...These are beautiful thoughts, Deborah, and filled with the true spirit of the season. It is so easy to get caught up in the rush and pass by all of those small blessings we can easily take for granted. Your daughter is such a sweetie and I'm sure she learned her encouraging ways from her dear Mother. Thank you for this lovely reminder to slow down and take it all in. Hugs and blessings xo Karen Karen @ Beatrice Euphemiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08631972741518142563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-62819020002671552352015-12-16T21:13:43.190-05:002015-12-16T21:13:43.190-05:00Good thoughts. I have some recommendations for pic...Good thoughts. I have some recommendations for picture storage, if you are interested, but I won't put it here. Veehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00618654361869856894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-27174828260478575382015-12-16T17:24:50.527-05:002015-12-16T17:24:50.527-05:00Hi Deborah,
You are so right ~ thank you for remin...Hi Deborah,<br />You are so right ~ thank you for reminding me. Jesus is the reason for the season and I must slow down and relax and remember what is really important. Your creative Christmas cards look lovely and you are much more organized than I am since I am not sending any this year. So nice when our dear daughters make us feel better. We are so fortunate to have children we love and that care about us too. Have a Wonderful Week! KarenKarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12804372282623644402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-26342127643894827042015-12-16T16:00:46.337-05:002015-12-16T16:00:46.337-05:00Deborah...this is such a lovely post and a really ...Deborah...this is such a lovely post and a really great reminder to be grateful for some of things we just take for granted. Isn't it funny how sometimes just when we have no idea for a post, the Lord speaks one to us?! Enjoy your busy week leading up to Christmas...I am exhausted just thinking about everything I still have to!Debby Rayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02499542865677173703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-67620989370108707062015-12-16T10:08:38.207-05:002015-12-16T10:08:38.207-05:00What a lovely post! I would like to think that ki...What a lovely post! I would like to think that kindness is contagious. It's all about the attitude of the heart. Thanks for writing what was in your heart today! P.S. And thanks to your beautiful daughter for encouraging you.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10328333345401673320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-50483641801688251992015-12-16T08:09:52.853-05:002015-12-16T08:09:52.853-05:00I loved reading about your Advent in your Heart, D...I loved reading about your Advent in your Heart, Deborah. Your daughter paid you the best compliment and I'm glad that you embraced it, my friend. Finding the good, even while in line, sure beats being cranky and grumpy. Thank you for blessing us with the list of some of things your grateful for during this lovely season. We all need to slow down and count our blessings, but mostly for having Jesus in our hearts. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02803962513834013589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-1334995027223597602015-12-15T23:23:51.819-05:002015-12-15T23:23:51.819-05:00I love Bro. Lawrence and his lesson of the pots --...I love Bro. Lawrence and his lesson of the pots -- seems it reaches many hearts.<br /><br />Enjoyed your lovely post with its joy and contentment 'in the midst'.<br /><br />Wishing you a beautiful day...<br />Brenda<br />xoxBrenda @ Its A Beautiful Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02955486477303938670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-53762802573268743842015-12-15T23:12:21.744-05:002015-12-15T23:12:21.744-05:00I love this post, Deborah! When Jesus fills our li...I love this post, Deborah! When Jesus fills our lives with his spirit, there is joy all around, seeing through new eyes, finding gratitude for things we never before noticed, gifts from the Father. May you have a blessed last week before Christmas.Cranberry Morninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10758563068581561194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-53285323291617858012015-12-15T22:37:32.643-05:002015-12-15T22:37:32.643-05:00Hi Deborah, Well for not having a thought to post ...Hi Deborah, Well for not having a thought to post about, you turned out one that is beautiful and so inspiring. Yes, there is so much to be thankful for in the little everyday of life. Even being able to decorate and enjoy the view of pretty lights this time of year is a thankful blessing. I imagine your home is gorgeous with your eye for the details. I loved it when you said you used the time in the mall waiting to look around you at the people and smile, share a word, open a door etc. All these things are special to someone and you were placed there at that time for a reason. Maybe your smile was the only smile someone might see that day. You are such a dear heart and thank you for sharing this lovely post for Christmas.<br />Thanks for stopping by and your kind comment. Have a wonderful week and next as we approach the day we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Blessings xoCelestina Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10021633519525822335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-76790158564320189842015-12-15T21:59:57.664-05:002015-12-15T21:59:57.664-05:00Well, you may think you have no inspiration for bl...Well, you may think you have no inspiration for blogging but I sure did enjoy this post. It made me think of all the things that make me happy during this stressful yet wonderful time. DebDebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06817710263282488135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-35678159511589456802015-12-15T21:28:27.896-05:002015-12-15T21:28:27.896-05:00And a Spode mug (another blessing, I think)! Mine...And a Spode mug (another blessing, I think)! Mine has straight sides. Elegance at Christmas, I do believe. Blessings on you, sweet friend.melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07239376501783744106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-24407597191477683562015-12-15T19:43:13.658-05:002015-12-15T19:43:13.658-05:00You've listed many things to be thankful for D...You've listed many things to be thankful for Deborah and sometimes we need to stop and acknowledge them. Also to bring some peace and kindness to others around us during this often hurried time of year. <br />Like Beth, I pay a fee to Google for extra photo space, especially important now that I host a meme.Judith @ Lavender Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16361061491506137380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-84682810408489572752015-12-15T18:32:59.826-05:002015-12-15T18:32:59.826-05:00What a lovely post!
This is what spoke to my hear...What a lovely post!<br /><br />This is what spoke to my heart **The real reason for Christmas -- Jesus -- and that no amount of banning Him from the public square can take Him from my heart.**<br /><br />Have a lovely Christmas, and inspiration, joy, peace and love fill your heart and life ~ FlowerLadyFlowerLady Lorrainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17678852154334714784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-30091417782209342082015-12-15T18:27:42.961-05:002015-12-15T18:27:42.961-05:00Thanks for the inspiring post, Deborah. I confess ...Thanks for the inspiring post, Deborah. I confess that I too am guilty of squandering time on Youtube and Facebook. Hee!Margiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12216292186501923706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-28050886401867881952015-12-15T17:07:06.237-05:002015-12-15T17:07:06.237-05:00Deborah, you have plenty to be excited about and I...Deborah, you have plenty to be excited about and I like your attitude when you're out and about. I learned a long time ago that a smile can make someone's day. Standing in a long lineup and not complain about it is so much easier on that poor overworked cashier this time of year. And offer him or her a smile when you do get up to the checkout! If one has joy in their heart, it has to come out, right? This is the season to rejoice for He has come and He's alive and still working miracles among us. <br /><br />Now, if I could just finish up the mailing of my cards, finish up the baking.... There's always a nice cup of tea or coffee waiting to be enjoyed. Merry Christmas, my friend!<br /><br />Hugs,<br />SandiSandi@ Rose Chintz Cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17415214311003251398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-84019649694234345842015-12-15T17:05:41.344-05:002015-12-15T17:05:41.344-05:00Hi Deborah, Indeed you are blessed, as I also am. ...Hi Deborah, Indeed you are blessed, as I also am. There is so much to be thankful for. Regarding blog storage, I pay Google a small amount every year for additional storage. Here is the link where you can check out and purchase google cloud storage: https://www.google.com/settings/storage<br />Merry Christmas, Deborah!<br />Hugs, BethBethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09792341123595520130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7092223141967556234.post-36863222427594305602015-12-15T16:23:47.315-05:002015-12-15T16:23:47.315-05:00A delightful post, so many things to be happy abou...A delightful post, so many things to be happy about you are truly blessed. Take care.mamasmercantilehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14011278973985658118noreply@blogger.com