Christmas is the season of hope. It's easy to get wrapped up in the parties, the gift buying, the decorating, the crowded stores, the impatient crowds, and everything else that seems to accompany this time of year. And it's hard not to look at the world we live in & wonder if there will ever be relief. Will we ever know peace? Do we have a reason to hope?
We do...and His name is Jesus.
I was reading another blog this week & the author posted the words to the song "I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day". And they struck me hard. The words were written by the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1863. But they still ring true today.
And in despair, I bowed my head;
"there is no peace on earth", I said.
"For hate is strong,
and mocks the song,
of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
the wrong shall fail,
the right prevail,
with peace on earth, good-will to men."
Hope...
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Song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" sung by Casting Crowns
I was back home this past weekend & got to see my favorite nephew. After not seeing him for five weeks, it was some much-needed "Aunt Carrie & Isaac" time!
I usually take a train when I go home to visit family. It's usually a dull ride that can seem never-ending. But every once in a while, I look out the window & see some picture-worthy views {like these}
On my most recent trip, I captured the very beginning of autumn.
I knew sooner or later, I would have to come back to Chicago & leave this little one.
And truth be told, tears were shed as I got on the train to leave. But I know I'll be heading back in October, so I have that to look forward to.
Being gone for 17 days can feel like being gone for 17 months. And my "to do" list proves it! It's extremely long with things like going through two weeks worth of mail, restocking my cupboards & refrigerator with food, finding a 2nd job, changing out my summer clothes for fall/winter clothes, and laundry. But none of that is fun to talk about, so I'll show you my latest creation.
A friend of mine was looking for cute recipe cards & couldn't find any she liked, so she did the next best thing...asked me to make them!
I think they turned out pretty cute :)
I'm hoping to come have some new holiday cards & decor in my shop soon. Stay tuned!