It’s a sure thing, each year, as we unpack those red tubs of Christmas decorations ~

There will be strands that remain dark, despite being connected to the electrical outlet…

And since having a recycling cart pick up every week, and 10 months in the very GREEN British Columbia, I look at everything that no longer has use in our home and just don’t want to throw it in the trash!

So, today I called around and discovered…

Those Strands of Christmas Lights that just don’t LIGHT…

Can be taken to Ace Hardware or Lowes to be recycled  🙂

252. Hope.

253. Peppermint Café Mocha, half sweet. A treat.

254. Sleepy “good mornings

255. Anticipation

256. Cable internet! No data counter clicking away!

257. Audio books

258. Fellowship with dear friends.

259. Laughter

260. My friend Tami’s eyes, sparkling at her beloved, while we all converse.

261. Safe travel for Builder to BC and for us driving to KS and back home again.
262. Hugging my sister and dad as she cried on his shoulder. Truly miraculous! Friends, it sounds simple, but it is no small thing the LORD has done in these relationships!

263. Cousin laughter ~ I never knew these kinds of relationships and am loving watching my girls and my sister’s kids build deep friendships.

264. Christmas lights, reminding me of the Light of the World, who ignites light in those who choose Him.



It was a long drive and short flight journey, but 4 of the 5 of us has made it “home for the holidays.”  And soon Builder, Daddy, Husband will follow.  My gratitude this week is mingled with the need for grace, and prayers. 

But in it all is hopeful gratitude.  Gratitude that HE who holds all, He who has done so much, will finish what he has begun.

#246-250

246. Safe travel & a warm welcome home.

247. Friendship.

248. Restful sleep.

249. Home.

250. Seeing my oldest girls again!

251. Dinner and fellowship with a dear dear friend.

{this moment}

Dear Dad,

I want to tell you thank you.

All those years you served your country,

I now understand

That you also served your family, past, present and future,

Hoping to preserve the freedom to live…

To live a life free

To pursue life to the fullest.

It cost you greatly,

And us too,

But Dad, today

I simply want to thank you.



Dear Dad,

I want to tell you thank you.

All those years you served your country,

I now understand

That you also served your family, past, present and future,

Hoping to preserve the freedom to live…

To live a life free

To pursue life to the fullest.

It cost you greatly,

And us too,

But Dad, today

I simply want to thank you.