A Little Backward

We sell eleven-hundred of them but somehow we end up picking out ours late. The children run through the homemade "woods" at the nursery, spinning trees, checking all sides. They're particularly attracted to the odd-shaped ones so my husband and I just nod and smile.

They're really there for the run, and the spinning, and the hiding in between the trees.

"Welcome to my nursery!"

"Tree Huggers"

Our beloved choice now stands majestically, just off the kitchen, branches slowly falling into place in the warmth. And so, we pull ornaments out from storage and commence the traditions once again, children giggling and lapping up the joy, like it's the first time.
We've read the story of the real first Christmas, over and over the past two weeks, we've created art, we've written our own stories, we've baked. And although, it might seem a little backward this year, today, we decorate.

Waiting For Your Arrival

In dormant slumber they wait, tagged for adoption.

In coming days, these once-seedlings will stand straight and proud, thickening limbs and bustling leaves to allure you.

Come sweet springtime, come, they whisper as icicles crack from frozen branches and bare twigs assert early their buds.

Be ready, new parent, for they eagerly await your arrival.

196. Thankful for the beauty of our nursery in winter

197. the sound of the kettle boiling

198. the smell of early hyacinth bulbs in my kitchen

199. purging clothing

200. hoodies

201. painted toenails in the sand

202. snowflakes as big as loonies

203. children making a game out of cleaning together

204. Canada winning the most gold medals in the Olympics!

205. mint oreos that I'm NOT eating because I'm de-sugaring... again

206. people who willingly share their expertise on their websites

207. homemade pizza

208. second-hand store finds

209. praying friends

210. a husband who reads the Word daily

By the way, come by and pick out your new babies at http://www.connon.ca/

Isn't She Lovely?

She throws her hair toward the south

Bending frail and spiny frame

Foliage of lace quivering

Unforgiving winds to blame

Twisting limbs in growth unnoticed

Silent stretch to heaven's care

Bony fingers humbly opening

In her meager offering there.

by Heather

This is our Japanese Maple and I think her character is beautiful. As I was taking photos around our yard, I noticed her winding and twisting growth and it reminded me of how circumstances and pain can cause us to become a little bent over and worn on this journey called life. But as we reach heavenward and open our hands in trust to our Creator, we find sufficient grace for each new day. Our wounds, if offered to God, shape our character into something admirable.

A woman who knows the pain of a few broken limbs but stretches out her arms to the needy--isn't she lovely?