Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Christmas Spirit

I am the pianist for our church choir.  I am just an average player.  In fact, I started taking lessons again about a year ago to improve my skill.  ( I hadn't played since high school).

It was our Christmas program on Sunday.  The choir was responsible for 3 songs:  "The First Noel", an arrangement of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and our finale piece and arrangement of "What Child is This?"   I anguished so much of whether I was the person to be playing.  We have a couple of young ladies that play effortless and beautifully.  I have to practice and practice and hope and pray a lot. I went back and forth whether I should back out and let someone else perform these special pieces.  I didn't want to hinder the spirit of the meeting with the music stumbling along.  There was a solo section in the "I Heard the Bells" and I didn't want to ruin his part by me being inadequate and we also had a cello accompanying with me on "What Child is This".  My husband kept telling me I would do OK.  But that was just it - I wanted to do more than just ok!  I want those listening to be touched by His spirit through the music being offered.

I was sick with worry. 

During my practice session and lesson on Friday, I had a thought.  I had done my part.  I had practiced and practiced and now I could ask, in prayer, for Him to fill in what I was missing.   So that is what I did.  I deemed Saturday to be my last practice and to leave the rest to the Lord.

Sunday morning before our meeting started, we had choir practice.  It didn't go well.  I started to worry again.  I had to remind myself that I had done my part and  to trust Him, over and over again.  The meeting started and I can't say I remember more than the speaker before us, hands were shaking.  It was our turn.. . .

It was beautiful!!!  Did I play perfectly -- no.  BUT I played better than I ever had and the mistakes I made weren't noticeable.  I WAS BLESSED!  I wish I could express in words my feelings when we were done, but I can't.  I can tell you that as I write this, tears still come to my eyes in gratitude for that blessing and the joy it brought to me in being reminded that prayers are answered and the simple joys in life are the best.

My goal for 2011 is to live my life more in tune with His spirit and like the Wise Men -- SEEK HIM!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Christmas Warrior!!

I accomplished so much this weekend for Christmas. 
My house is decorated and I'm 80% done with making my gifts.

Here is my 'welcome' on my front door ---



Close -ups ---




I have been trying to do a decorative dish towel for the kitchen for the different seasons.  This is the one I chose for this Christmas.







We have decided that this year and every year following, we will be making a conscious effort to put Christ back into our Christmas.  For the past several years, we have 'catered' to the members of the family that aren't active in any church.  But this year, as the grand-kids are getting older, I feel very strongly that they need to know how we feel and what we believe.  We are having Santa come and bring gifts -- HOWEVER-- he will be telling us a story about why Santa believes in Christ.  I'm praying the evening will be a success and no one is offended.

This simple, but beautiful pewter nativity was a gift from friends a couple of years ago.  It is one of my favorites!!




You can't see the manger in this picture, but it was my husband's mothers and we were able to find a nativity that fits perfectly.  It sits in the entry.




I worry about my tree every year.  My husband and I discuss the size of the tree, (he likes big and bushy and I like tall and thin) what color of lights (I want white and he wants colors) and always the ornaments (he would be happy with red and green every year and I want either a theme tree or different every year).  But since we are having the family party at out house he won the size of the tree and since the tree is pre-lit; we settled on our artificial tree and I went out and bought new ornaments and ribbon garland.  It looks better in real life and with the lights on  -- but I like it.

A few more items to make and then comes the wrapping...............

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Tis' the Season

Isn't great to feel the season approaching.  We had a wild reminder with all the snow we have received in the past couple of weeks. 

Our family Christmas Party is next week and so this weekend, cleaning and decorating will be high on the weekend schedule.

Stay tuned as I share my decorations, gifts and my attempts at Christmas goodies.....