Look for Him

It doesn't take much to feel stressed and frustrated during the holidays. I find myself making all kinds of lists — Christmas gift shopping lists, grocery lists, menus, appointments, and that doesn't include the list of daily chores unrelated to the holidays, like laundry, cleaning, and cooking.

And those are just the inside things ... there's also leaves to rake and pick up, patio to sweep, pine straw to "fluff," and Christmas decorations to put up.

I know it's only the 2nd day of December, but thinking about everything that has to be done between now and Christmas Eve can sometimes be a little overwhelming, both physically and mentally.

I took time out from my list making to write this post and came across a poem I featured on my blog this time last year. It helped put things into perspective for me.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed or stressed, perhaps the poem will inspire you, too.

If You Look for Me at Christmas —

You won't need a special star.

I'm no longer just in Bethlehem,
I'm right there where you are.

You may not be aware of Me
Amid the celebrations —

You'll have to look beyond the stores,
And all the decorations.

But if you take a moment,
From your list of things to do ...

And listen to your heart, you'll find ...
I'm waiting there for you.

You're the one I want to be with,
You're the reason that I came,

And you'll find Me in the stillness,
As I'm whispering your name.

Love,
Jesus

[Author unknown]
Photos borrowed from the Internet

For the Love of a Grandchild

I had this poem framed a couple of years ago for our granddaughter Avery Grace, and came across it yesterday in her room. I think it beautifully and eloquently describes the precious relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, and I would like to share it with those of you who are grandparents.

For the Love of a Grandchild (author unknown) Child of my heart, heart of my heart, Your smile bridges the years between us. I am young again, Discovering the world through your eyes. You have the time to listen, And I have the time to spend. Delighted to gaze at familiar, loved features, Made new in you again. Through you, I'll see the future, Through me, you'll know the past. In the present we'll love one other, As long as these moments last.

Avery begins the first grade next week, and you can be sure I will be getting in lots of hugging time this week. It seems like they grow up so much faster these days.

If You Look for Me at Christmas

I don't know about you, but I'm having trouble this year getting into the spirit of decorating and shopping and all the countless (and stressful) things that, sadly, have become part of the Christmas holidays.

I've been Christmas shopping twice this week and have come home frustrated and, for the most part, empty-handed. The parking lots are full and the shops are full of people, which is a good thing for the economy, I guess, but all I want to do is be at home doing the fun things — like decorating the house, and thinking about menus for the holidays, and projects I want to do with our granddaughter Avery Grace.

I woke up around 2:30 this morning, wide awake, and worrying about all the things I have to do. After tossing and turning for a while, I got up to work on a post for today. While browsing through my pictures on my computer, I came across this poem from last year, and it inspired me to let go of all the "nitty-gritty-things-to-do" stuff. After all, it's only the 2nd day of December, and I'm sure it will all get done, with plenty of time to spare before Christmas Day. In the meantime, I'm going to slow down and do a little bit at a time and take time to enjoy it along the way.

If you've been feeling stressed, perhaps this beautiful poem will inspire you, too.

If You Look for Me at Christmas —

You won't need a special star.

I'm no longer just in Bethlehem,
I'm right there where you are.

You may not be aware of Me
Amid the celebrations —

You'll have to look beyond the stores,
And all the decorations.

But if you take a moment,
From your list of things to do ...

And listen to your heart, you'll find ...
I'm waiting there for you.

You're the one I want to be with,
You're the reason that I came,

And you'll find Me in the stillness
As I'm whispering your name.

Love,
Jesus

[Author unknown]
Photos borrowed from the Internet

A Tiny Rosebud

It is only a tiny rosebud ... A flower of God's design. But I cannot unfold the petals with these clumsy hands of mine. And the secret of unfolding flowers is not known to such as I. God opens this flower so sweetly, when in my hands it dies. If I cannot unfold a rosebud, this flower of God’s design, Then how can I have the wisdom to unfold this life of mine? So I’ll trust in Him for leading, Each moment of my day. I will look to Him for His guidance, Each step of the pilgrim way. The pathway that lies before me, Only my Heavenly Father knows. I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments, Just as He unfolds the rose. Poem written by Pastor Darryl L. Brown, 1974

Postscript:My sweet blogging friend Jenni in Texas, wrote me after she read this post and told me about a beautiful song called, "When God Unfolds the Rose," which was written by Frank O'Brien, and performed by Tim Spell. I found this video presentation on YouTube, and it is truly an awesome song. I hope you will take the time to listen to it -- it will enrich and bless your day.

Thank you, Jenni, for sharing this beautiful song.