Happy Christmas week, my friends! My friend, Sharon, e-mailed this and it was too good not to share. It’s a wonderful reminder for all of us as we strive to make this week special for our families and homes.
1 CORINTHIANS 13 ~ A CHRISTMAS VERSION ~
author unknown
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling
lights and shiny balls, but do not show love,
I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned mealtime,
but do not show love,
I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home
and give all that I have to charity,
but do not show love,
it profits me nothing.
f I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata…
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
and endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust,
but giving the gift of love will endure.
Isn’t that wonderful?
Merry, merry Christmas to each of you! I’m so thankful that you stuck around during the “lean months” and continue to visit SmellingCoffee. I’m thrilled to report that as of this past Saturday, we now have 100% internet access in our home! No more quick “borrowing” from a neighbor (grin) – and no more Blackberry thumb! I’m very much looking forward to visiting around and catching up with my favorite blogs and cyber-friends.
As for what’s been going on in the Walker household, its been a fun filled weekend/early week with family visiting, Christmas baking, present wrapping (and unwrapping), and visiting with friends. But from today on, The Lord willing, the rest of the week will be calm and slow (which is an extra blessing, because the majority of our household is fighting a cold ~Yuck!). We have big plans for family time, PJ time, game time, movie time, and quiet time spent with the Lord.
What are you doing for the rest of the week? Whatever it is, I pray that The Lord will make Himself known to each of you and your households, and that you will have a very blessed Christmas weekend.
Much love to each of you~
Jennifer
Back row: Ella (2), Nathan (14), Hannah Grace (7), Abigail (12)
Front row: Zach (8), Will (6), Crawford (1), and Anna Beth (4)
Jennifer,
Sounds like God is giving all of us a little slower pace this Christmas season. Both Paul and I are sick and are basking in the peace of the season. It has been refreshing to slow down and savor the season these past few days as the family has stayed made different plans as we are getting well. I wouldn't want it every year, but take it as the Lord provides and desires. Have a blessed Christmas!
Teresa
Well, today's been quite hectic, topped by a trip to the mall… oh mercy, never again. Now I'm settled in watching Greta on Fox with her Samaritan's Purse interview. Blessed peace for my soul, finally!
Merry Christmas.
~elaine
We just finished studying I Corinthians 13 in SS, so this was great to read, and a great reminder! Praying you have a blessed Christmas. Jackie
Oh, I love this! (I'm gonna re- post on my blog if that's ok) 😉
Sounds like you are preparing your hearts for a wonderful Christmas. We are all wrapped and ready! Now we can relax and breathe! I am ready to just hang out, catch up on some of the Christmas movies I have DVR'd, eat, thumb through my magazines, read, eat, spend time with family & friends… did I mention eat? (grin) and of course I look forward to spending time with the Lord – pondering His wonderful gift!
Much love to your family from you friend in Indianapolis!
Merry Christmas to you too!!! : )
Merry Christmas Jennifer!