Our generation has been somewhat spoilt on freedom. We live in a society, which for now, limits only a few things from it’s citizens. When they wake up in the morning, nothing in their mind leads them to think about their freedoms…for they have been here for so long, that they feel they can’t be taken away.

At our local elections a few months ago, only 20 % of the people even bothered to show up! Most are comfortable in their liberties, not thinking a second thought that the wrong choices could take them away.  Mom and I listened to an Iwo Jima survivor give a talk, and he recalled that recently, when he and his wife rode in a parade proudly carrying the flag, only two or three people lifted their hands in a salute, or held a hand across their heart.

We live in a society that no longer remembers the cost of what is free, to them, now. Men still die protecting our rights, which, in turn, are taken away by the present government officials. Young children continue to grow in a culture that has forgotten its past. Where there is no vision, the people perish.  Where they forget their past, their future is vulnerable.

Patriotism isn’t dead, but many people are forgetting to take it along when they leave their homes during the day. Our conflicted generation has little respect for the honorable things in life. Sadly, our country’s great freedoms and liberties are one of them.

I pray that though our country is falling, the Christians, who have the only hope of a great kingdom, will stay strong, not forgetting God’s promises.

photo from Cards Unlimited

On Christmas Eve’s Day, I want to warmly wish my readers and friends a healthy, cozy Christmas with family and friends. When others call out “Happy Holidays” may you remind them what this season is and was originally about and that no political agendas are going to change it. Whenever you see a fat, grinning Santa think of Christ coming down to earth to offer us the priceless gift of eternal salvation. When you see reindeer…think of the stable and humble conditions the Lord was brought unto us. When you open gifts, try to think about Mary and Joseph as they held mankind’s gift in their arms.

Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

Thanksgiving is sadly more associated with turkey and food than with honest thankfulness to our Lord. I unfortunately found myself thinking today of food and family more than thankfulness. We, as Christians, are able to see Thanksgiving in a completely monumental way as compared to those who do not believe in the salvation of Jesus Christ who died for us. That is what our lives should be based on, and Thanksgiving allows us to see how much we have to be grateful for. (Though everyday should be such a day)

Today, as our family told of two things we were thankful for, I put in my contribution. (#1 Conditioner and #2 Bamboo Knitting Needles) Yet as I went through the list, it was apparent there are so many things that we don’t even recognize as blessings though they are present in our lives.  With an affliction, the Lord has given blessings aplenty. One of my favourite verses (Psalm 119:75) states:

“I know, O Lord,

that your rules are righteous,

and that in faithfulness

you have afflicted me.”

Both our afflictions and blessings are given by God in complete faithfulness. We should be thankful for both, for with our Great Creator, everything He deals us falls into his perfect plan…whether we know it this side of Heaven or not.

I am thankful for: a cozy home that suits my needs, costume dramas, soft yarn, library books, scarves and hats, blogging buddies, the ability to learn, music, warm wool socks, cups of hot chocolate, animal friends, church family, fresh bread, white Christmas lights, snow, patterns on sale, health, shoes, Fiesta ware, pashminas…

Today is my mom’s birthday! We are celebrating by going out to eat and then heading over to a Russian concert (Rachmaninoff) where we will delight ourselves in a lovely aroma of music.

I am her first and last child, born later in her life. Being an only child, and for a time with just a mother’s love, we grew very close. We get along wonderfully and we know each others thoughts. She has always made decisions for my safety and welfare, which were sometimes very hard. She has made sure that I grew up with respect towards others, and has always kept me within distance for a hug. People have called me over sheltered, yet I call myself loved. And when we started home schooling we grew even closer. I thank the Lord for a loving mother who cares for me.

Go wish her a happy birthday, or go hug your mother!

Daughters of His Story Paper Dolls!

For a while now, my dear cousins have been using their God given talent to further spread the kingdom of Christ with their amazing new series of paper dolls. They are top of the line, well constructed, and very effective. The artwork will enrapture you and I am positive that young girls, who are seeking to serve their Creator will find these paper dolls encouraging. I wish I had these when I was younger

See the official website here. They are now available!

You can follow them on twitter. Or become a fan on facebook!

I love you gals!

Two weeks later: No puppies, it was a false pregnancy….very disappointing

In two weeks we will have the pitter patter of little paws, the slobber of multiple doggy kisses, and the joys of raising our own pups. Courtesy of our six year old Border Collie, Jenna, we will be experiencing our first litter of puppies. Researching, however, the process of “whelping” I fear I may need to be absent during such a time. My gag factor is relatively low, and just reading about all the sacs, and green discharge…*shudder*

So, I will be enjoying the fruit of her labor, literally. Meanwhile, I will allow you to wait anxiously for pictures. I pray all goes well and that mother and pups will be healthy.

Here is the mother-to-be:

Any advice from experienced puppy owners about the whole whelping process, please leave a comment.

The displays are set up and the projects being turned in! One of my favourite times of the year is now just behind that ribbon. Soon the venders will be selling their deliciously greasy food, the animals tempting the young children, the fair rides entertaining screaming riders, and let’s not forget…the imitation Elvis under his country tent. *He scares me.*

Breezy, Emily, and I are happy with our projects and are anxious to see how they fare amongst the others. And tomorrow, my mom is going to enter an apple pie in the adult division. You can see her recipe here. Also tomorrow, we three cousins will be judged and then on Friday I will enter another project and be judged . In case you’re wonderin’ I entered:

*two one pound jars of honey…they are too cute!

*a notebook of Creative Writing…I entered this poem, this poem, a few others, and a short story entitled Miss McGuffy

*a jar of pickled watermelon rinds

*and my Williamsburg Basket

Here we are with cheerful faces with our projects. Auntie Robin didn’t turn in anything though, she’s just standing there looking cute.

The light, the spell-word of the heart,

Our guiding star in weal or woe,

Our talisman-our earthly chart-

That sweetest name that earth can know.

~

We breathed it first with lisping tongue,

When cradled in her arms we lay;

Fond memories round that name are hung,

That will not, cannot pass away.

~

We breathed it then, we breathe it still,

More dear that sister, friend, or brother,

The gentle power, the magic thrill,

Awakened at the name of mother.

by Fanny J. Crosby

To my dearest cousin Breezy:

On Tuesday, January 27, 2009 my elder cousin Breezy will be 18! Being older than myself she has been wiser, more ladylike than my childish ways, and a great mentor in certain areas that she has been through herself.

I must admit, I used to envy her artistic talent. I will confess that a few nights I would sometimes tear up at how I couldn’t draw or do anything really artistic like she did. I was the wanna be who tries endlessly to be the best…a little competitive I know. But after a while, I figured out that I was not blessed like she was in the arts, and I prayed to God to take away my envy and He did. Now I can see how beautiful she is, her art is, and her gift is without any regret that I do not possess the same items. However, I do still want to be able to draw, but I am more content with my limited abilities.

She and I are a lot a like, and yet in the same sense that we are similarly different. We have similar personalities, both with their loving quirks. Our humor makes a great conversation, and we can usually make a joke about anything. Our clothing is similar too, mostly because I am the hand-me-down cousin which works out perfectly; our colours are neutral browns, blues, greens, and tans. We both are extremely fun (I like to think so) and are both shy when it comes to the public. Occasionally, she and I will head on for a walk while Emily is taking pictures and chat about who knows what, but we always encourage each other in any situation.

I adore my cousin for more than words can express. I count her friendship immeasurable and her acquaintance desirable. Anyone who has the opportunity to know her is truly blessed.

And now a poem from her cousin (me):

“The artist is working, we should not disturb,

her face looks heavenly as she creates her creatures

who dance, laugh, and jump on her page

forgetting their lines that were once their cage.

Now they are free to let their master know

that the life she gives them is worth more than gold

for what is a painting that is dull and untold.

(Excuse the picture…Breezy stunning as usual… I look a little goony)

On Christmas Eve we made some Snicker doodles which turned out very delicious and allowed the house to have a lovely aroma for the rest of the day.

Here is the finished product:

We also each had our own little Cornish Hens.

The entire dinner was : eggnog, a sprite/pineapple drink that I love, cheesy potatoes (another favourite dish), Cornish hens, green beans, and crescent rolls. We had candles lit and our new homemade napkins, with some Christmas music playing in the background.

This was probably my favourite Christmas Eve dinner of all! What did you have for your Christmas Eve dinner?