Monday, December 31, 2012

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Now We See Through A Glass Darkly


Dear Family and Friends,

Thinking of so many things on this last Sunday of 2012, among those thoughts are ones of you. It was good to get cards and news of you during the Blessed Christmas Season.

Today, Jon and I were so happy to make it to the morning service. I can feel my pump priming on Saturday with the longing to go and an anticipation that it will be well worth all the effort.

It is quite cold today, which makes the challenge of going out even greater for us. But at the moment, I'm enjoying a nice cup of coffee as I sit by the window.

It's too cold for "deck sitting" but I'm watching the beautiful array of busy birds practically within hand's reach outside. With three hanging feeders,  a suet cage, and driftwood stands with loads of sunflower seeds right at my window, it is so relaxing.

This morning I watched a tiny chickadee knee deep in seed. At the same time a large bird with a wide wing span soared above the field, catching the first cold, brisk, breeze of dawn. What a contrast!!  What a master designer!

As I sat here, lost in thought, enjoying the beauty....I was reminded of my Father.  When I go out on the deck, and open the large seed tub, my "regulars," flutter round my head, practically landing on me.  They know I'm there and what that means.

But now, as I sit inside, behind a window that has smokey window tint on it, it is impossible for them to see me.  Only a touch away, and yet they are oblivious to my presence. Here I sit, caring for them, enjoying their presence, delighting in them....all unbeknownst to them. The feeders swing in the cold air, the sun caresses each bird(big or small, drab or brilliant) with it's warm touch, and time passes.

I was reminded of the verse  "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face..."   Sometimes things aren't quite so clear. I'm not so aware of His Presence or His workings in my life.
When one's bank account is compromised with identity theft, when one's family moves 30000 miles away, when loved ones suffer heartache, when the physical fails.....it may seem as though one is surely "seeing through a glass darkly."

But in and through it all, His Presence, His love and care are just as real.

Thank God for the sunny days as well. Yesterday was one of those "handfuls on purpose."  You know, when He just keeps on  pouring out those extra special unexpected blessings!

The woof and weave is good. It's all part of God's plan called the journey of life. We will only make this journey once, may God help us with this new year to remember that someday, if we remain faithful, we SHALL see him face to face!!!

Love, Linda

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Sowers' Christmas Party

The Sowers' Christmas Party, a time of family, fun, fellowship, and food.  A happy time when we all gather in Avon and Joe's home.  Some were missing this year, but some were first timers.  One was Avon and Joe's first grandchild, Olivia Eve, who of course, was The Star!

Lots of laughter and family sharing...

 Lots and lots of food. This year we had Mama's delicious chocolate pound cake, and the famous Sowers' punch...
 

 And of course, the hilarious gift exchange!!!!!!!!!!!

More food........
Sisters!
 
 


 







Even Mr. Riley LOVES A PARTY!!!
This year we each brought a piece of fruit. We were able to put together four lovely fruit baskets for the needy, lonely, or hurting.  Two of these we delivered in our neighborhood along with some "good ole" Sowers' caroling!!!
It was a sweet spirit, another wonderful memory!  Thank God for sending His Son!  Thank God for the best gifts in life, His Presence, Friends, and Family!!
Merry Christmas to all........from the Sowers' Family!!

Christmas at Our House

Since the kids came in for the Sowers' Christmas Party, we had our family Christmas as well.

Miss Melly has her first job and really had such a sweet giving heart. She put her heart into her shopping.

I got Hubby a comfortable mattress topper, hoping to improve his rest. He got me an adapter for my electronics.

The children got us the wonderful gift of Corelle. Jon and I drop so much, that the lighter dishes will make life easier for us.

Thanks so much for the gifts of love.















Family

 Today I was privileged to join in a joyful celebration, the dedication of sweet Olivia Eve.
Truly, nothing lights up our lives quite like grandchildren!!



...and our children.

...and our sisters!!
Missed my dear Hubby being there this morning, though.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Changes....

Son and family moving almost 3000 miles away to Washington State.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Happy Birthday, Brother

.....from Your Sisters,who love you very much!!!!

Daybreak

Psalm 148:1-14

Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.

He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

A Cup of Christmas Tea

Two dear friends, Roberta and Irene, invited me to a very special, very beautiful Christmas Tea Luncheon.
Flavor bursting tomato soup was served in lovely green depression glass cups. Mini chicken salad sandwiches, rosemary macaroni pasta, cheese ball and crackers completed the menu.
1776, Christmas Morn, and Pumpkin Spice teas, warm scones, and shortbread Christmas cookies were served around the Christmas tree.
It was a real high light of my Christmas season.