Here we are in the month of December, in the season of celebrating the birth of our Lord, the greatest season of peace, joy, love.

December is also the month where gray and white color schemes reign... except in the opening or closing moments of daylight when the skies often open up to glorious colors.

The memory of gray days fades when they end like this!

Or days when the snow blankets the world, and the sun warms the world with its last glance of the day.

When the sun comes out, even just for a few moments, joy reigns in the world.

Had lunch with a dear friend of mine recently at a delightful little spot overlooking the lake.

While my friend and I were together, I received a phone call from another friend who accidentally dialed my phone number.  While we talked, she asked me if I would look for a 1-year devotional bible for her, she needed 3 of them.  I knew of a thrift shop that doesn't charge for bibles, so I told her that we would look for these devotional bibles. 

We enjoyed salmon chowder, hot rolls, and salad, as we fellowshipped and shared what the Lord was doing in our lives.

This restaurant had such lovely ambience, and we were able to sit and talk for what seemed like several hours.  Mostly our conversation was concerning the world events around us, the return of the Lord, and the longing in our hearts for His return.  We finished our meal and headed to the thrift store. I did not find any bibles my other friend was looking for, but I found a book that looked interesting and bought it.  It is called "Morning and Evening Devotions by Charles Spurgeon". 

When I got home that evening, I opened the book to see what it had to say for that day, which was December 4th.  To say I felt goosebumps as I read the devotional for the day was an understatement!  Below is the devotion that was written for December 4th. 




It is interesting to note that this devotion was written back in the 1860s, over 150 years ago... and yet still relevant with its message today... The Lord has heard our groanings in the spirit!  To quote directly from the last part of the passage it says

I went to a local craft show recently, and found this delightful shelf, along with the little red clock, and the wooden sewing machine.  I painted the frame white and added a scripture picture to it.  I also covered some 1" blocks with paper to say the word "Pray". I hung the shelf in my craft room.  I spend a lot of time in this room, and this shelf is a constant reminder of the things that are important in my life.

Walking in the little bit of snow that we got recently.  Annie-girl was more than thrilled to see the snow, as was I!

Riley agrees! They are my two snow-angels, they dearly love the snow!

My decorations for Chrismas are simple this year, quiet reminders of the reason for the season.

A nativity given to me by a friend. I painted the wooden sign "Joy".

This pillow was gifted to me last year in a blog drawing and I am enjoying it again this year!

Another reason I love succulents so.... the cold and snow doesn't bother them a bit!

This is a wreath made from materials at the Dollar Tree, and adds the perfect festive touch to the front door.

I may have written about these rolls before, but really, they deserve another mention.  The recipe (below) says they are 30 Minute rolls, but I like to give them an extra 5 minutes to rise, and an extra 5 minutes in the oven, making them 40 Minute Rolls.

Another recent sunset... how each one of them has been treasured this December, as we've had an unusual amount of gray days with rain, and not much snow.

My sweet friends that come to meet us each morning as we walk by, rain or shine!

As this season of celebrating our Lord's birth is upon us, I wish all of you a blessed Christmas full of the sweet presence of the Lord and pray that the gifts He brought to us of peace, joy, and love fill your heart and home!

While each season on the calendar at least, is given equal time, it seems Fall's time in the spotlight wanes the quickest, although it is enjoyed to its last precious moment. 

Foggy mornings have been the hallmark of Fall this year, and the brilliance of the fallen leaves is accentuated by the foggy backdrop.

The road beckons onward mysteriously.

Layers of fog in the mornings as I walk hover over the fields.

Golden colors warm the banks of the river, contrasting with the reflective blues of the water.

The brilliant colors of the river are a bright contrast against the colorful foliage.

The rushing water under the bridge sings the happiest song, filling my heart with joy in the moment.

Walking in the early mornings just as the sun is grumbling up over the horizon, these sweet girls greet us good morning as we walk by.

I imagine this wistful look on her face means she would like to tag along on a walk with us!

There is something captivating about a fenceline... especially one stretching into the fog.

The glorious colors of Fall extending their beauty just a few more days.

How I wish I could hold the brilliance of this scene in place of the gray color scheme scheduled to arrive quite soon!

The last day before the "gray skies" arrived, my heart rejoiced at the vibrancy of the colors still.

Time and earth seem to stand still in this moment of tenacious beauty.

I want to savor every color and remember them that way when the "gray" arrives.

The skies seem to rejoice over the beautiful scene with me.

Once again, Fall's stay with us was far too short, and November came bumbling on the scene with gray skies, foggy mornings, and drippy clouds. I don't know of anyone who really anticipates and looks forward to November, lol!  But my perspective is this... after a good dose of gray skies, I am ready to welcome Winter with open arms! How about you?

I put my little flower bed to rest with hopes for spring... I received a shipment of tulip and daffodil bulbs that I had ordered from Breck's, and got them planted.  The chickens were curious about all the digging I was doing and tried to help out, lol!

A pie marathon!  I was asked to bake two pies for a local craft bazaar, and then my daughter mentioned she really wanted some pumpkin pie, and my dear husband said how much he was hankering after a pecan pie, and before you know it, an afternoon of baking pies ensued with 5 pies cooling on the counter!

I captured this picture of a frosted leaf resting on a log...

These two!  So happy to see the snow falling from the skies!  I shared in their excitement too :)

Yes, Winter, I can accept that you are here... you sure have brightened up the landscape!

My favorite scene of all this November was when snow blanketed the landscape while fragments of Fall color remained.

It was a glorious sight to see, this Blazing Red Maple tree with its brilliant red leaves still on the tree with snow gently covering up the bare, windswept spots on the branches.

There is something truly lovely about this... the mingling of Fall and Winter in such a beautiful fashion.

I am sad to see the last bits of Fall color, but how thankful I am that Winter is right there to brighten the landscape as Fall's color fades.

The moody stillness of this leaf captivated my focus...

My baby hens (not so little now) got to experience snow for the first time, always quite an event for them!

Gracie is not too thrilled with the snow, as you can tell by her expression. And so here we are, in the middle of November, and Thanksgiving 'round the corner!   I will be taking a little blogging break over the Thanksgiving holidays.   I want to wish all of you a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving... truly we do have so very much to be thankful for, and it seems as we count our blessings, somehow they begin to multiply and increase...  My heart and prayers go out to those who have suffered such great losses of life and property in California, and those in areas affected by the hurricanes.   Each day is so very precious that we are given.   May we be grateful and thankful to the Lord for His provision through the upcoming holiday seasons.   With much love to all, have a  Happy Thanksgiving :)