Tuesday, December 25, 2012

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2012!

It is Christmas Morning 2012.  I woke up early and sat in my rocking chair for a few minutes, enjoying the solitude and letting my mind wander.  I began thinking about today, anticipating our happiness and joy when we share Christmas festivities with our children and grandchildren who live close by.  I then thought about our recent trip to Arizona and the fun we had visiting our children living there and I remembered to say a prayer of thankfulness that we were able to travel through a blizzard to return home safely on Christmas eve.  And then I recalled so many memories and blessings of this past year, thinking it's hard to believe that this time last year we were enjoying a summer Christmas in New Zealand.  In my quiet thoughts this morning, I am reminded one more time of the love our Savior has for each of us, and his great atoning sacrifice so that we may each find joy in this life and the life to come.  As I was pondering these loving thoughts, I glanced out the window and saw a little flock of 'Christmas snowbirds'  feasting on tree berries.  I wanted to take a picture but knew by the time I got my camera out, changed the lens, fiddled with the controls, the magic moment would be gone, and so would they, so I didn't bother.  But to my surprise my little morning friends seemed contented to rest and feast.  Most were brown, but one was a red breasted little guy who seemed to always take center front where I could see him the best.  I think he was telling me to go ahead and find my camera, and he would wait for me.  And sure enough, he did.  After a few quick snaps, they were gone, but I have a picture and a memory to remind me.  And long after the wrapping paper is ripped, and the presents lost or broken, we can still keep a picture of Christ in our mind's eye and in our heart to remember what He has done for us.

 MERRY CHRISTMAS

       

8 comments:

Scott Law said...

Thanks for stopping by my flickr page to say high. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Chad asks me about every other week, "Have you ever heard any more from Karen?" So I can finally say yes.

I went on Google +, though I haven't checked in for several months now, and I do get on facebook occasionally because many family members and friends are there. Google + just seemed like too much work to me. I have talked to others who said they have pretty much stalled on it for the same reason. Who knows, maybe I'm just doing it wrong. Anyway, flickr is just so simple and totally a photographers' site. It is the most comfortable for me. When it got to the point where my blog was getting 5 or 6 comments on a good day I just figured that most of the bloggers I had made relationships with over the years had moved a different direction than me and it (very sadly) just wasn't worth the effort any more. One of the main people I did not want to loose contact with was you, but it looked like I had until now. Again, so glad you took the trouble to come over to my flickr site and say high.

Please let me know when you post again in the future and I'd love to hear about your new mission.

Scott

diane b said...

It is great to see your blog pop up on my sidebar again. The photo and Christmas message is lovely. How nice of the bird to wait for you. I hoe you had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

Hoping you and yours have a wonderful day together to celebrate the meaning of Christmas ~ faith, family and friends.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

How wonderful that you had this opportunity to take some photos - this one is superb! Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas day, - we did too, still singing songs of praise in my heart!

Carin said...

Karen!!! So glad you are home and I love the photo and the post! I hope you have had fun reconnecting with family and friends now that you are home. We have missed you this last little while! Merry Christmas! Love you!

Unknown said...

Karen, what a wonderful image. The little common birds tend to be overlooked, but they deserve all our attention. Like this House Finch, they are al wonderful little creatures.
Hope your Christmas was filled with peace and happiness!

darlin said...

WOW, what a stunning photo Karen! I see your back home from New Zealand, that must have been an adjustment to return. I was only gone for 4 1/2 months and found it took me quite some time to revert to my life back home, especially the time difference. Today I only wish I could board a plane and spend the next 3 months in Australia or anyplace tropical, it's been so cold here. I haven't lost my gratitude for my warm home, a loving family or the life experiences I've been blessed with, but the beaches... you bet I miss them when it's -30c! lol

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and Happy New Year!

janc@mac.com said...

What a stunning picture accompanied by beautiful sentiments. We have missed your posts and look forward to a continuation as in days past.