Thank you so much for all the sweet comments and thoughts shared on the previous entry. One of the reasons I keep blogging, despite the lack of time, is precisely because of the fact that I can always count on the many friends I have been lucky enough to meet through the magic of this blog, to make any sad day turn bright and hopeful. And because I love the inspiration that so many of you share through your caring and thoughtful comments. So, thank you so much from the very bottom of heart.
In essence, you've all reminded me that I must always look at the bigger picture. Loss is actually the beginning of something NEW when looked at it from the right perspective. Whether the loss is the medium for hope to arrive, the door to new beginnings, the way to teach something, or the reason for refreshed new ideas; loss is only loss when we allow it to be.
When my brother passed away so many years ago, he left a legacy of love. Even through a very short life, he was able to leave strong footprints in the hearts of everyone who met him. And through the memories we have of him, in our family, we can rejoice in celebrating his life. I hope that our friend Michelle, can too, over time, feel like the precious life of her sweet Sarah will always be celebrated by everyone who knew her. Loss is never easy. But thank God for hope and faith and love. Those three gifts help us all get through the hard times.
And yes, on the issue of frenzy, perhaps I put a lot of self-induced demands. Christie said in her comment that here we are, less than 2 weeks away (before Christmas) and she also (like so many of us) had a bucket load of projects that she's had to let go of, but instead of being disappointed, she is looking forward at the things she has indeed accomplished. She is so right! And Tiffany, yes, no need to over stress for all the little things. In fact, I think I'll do what I've done for several years prior to the last few years, and will get back to journal my Christmas in March. What a revelation! In fact, the other night, Sabrina was looking at the 2002 or 2003 Christmas album. A huge 12 x 12 album that covered the holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year's. I remember working on that album over a few weekends in March. The memories are still recorded, and all I had to do during that month of December was to take pictures and keep notes. The rest is history. Taking a few things off the list has already made me feel better on that end. And then, I re-listened to this past Sunday's message on the rebellious nature of Jesus. I loved it. And it made me re-think the way in which we celebrate Christmas. The idea hasn't gone well with the hubby though. He is still very much into the traditional X-mas celebration (all about the presents.) I'm going with the rebellious side this year. Let's see what happens.
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* The photo above is Miley posing right in front of the Christmas tree, tonight. She is such a ham.
**On a little silly note, I must share, if you have about tree minutes, watch this adorable youtube video. The cutest thing!
