Good morning friends. I am curled up this morning, sipping my coffee and admiring my Christmas tree. It is stuffed with ribbons, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks and all kinds of lights. I think it might be one of my favorite trees that I've had the past few years.
I found the cutest battery operated candle lights that clip right onto the branches... whoever invented these needs a big hug just for how much happiness these candles are bringing me. These little candles, burning all by themselves on my tree, spoke to my heart today.
As I sat here watching them this early morning, I felt the Lord whisper to my spirit...
"See? It doesn't take much for light to win. Just show up with a willing heart."
Some days, showing up is all we have to offer. I know for me, there are days when my prayers are tired and my faith is very quiet...all I have is a very small mustard seed of hope. But, even then, God sees me showing up in all of weakness.
I love it when God, in His beautiful way takes these tiny flickers, such as the tiniest mustard seed of hope, and turns them into something that warms my soul or perhaps warms another persons soul.
This tree of mine (with the soft flickering candle lights) feels like a little reminder of how God works. HE takes all the pieces of our lives, the pretty parts and the heavy parts, and somehow arranges them into something meaningful ..... something that reflects His light even when we feel dim.
The soft, warm, gentle light reminds me that even in a world that feels busy and exhausting, God still gives us tiny sparks of wonder to keep us going.
I love this tree...I love the candle lights...and I love the Lord. This Sunday morning, I pray that you all feel His presence in the simple things. A warm cup of coffee, a quiet room, a soft glow, these things are always near. We need only to take the time to seek them.
I wish you all were able to come sit by my tree this morning... We could have some Church and a lots of good fellowship... These little candle lights are doing Holy work today!
Love to you all...
shug.
Shug, I found your blog a while ago. I have been so moved by your words. I found out a few weeks ago that I have leukemia. I am 80 years old and a Christian and have no fear. I will find out more on the 26th. Thanks for always hanging in there for all of us even with what you are going through. May God continue His blessing on you and your family.
ReplyDeleteYou didn't leave a name so I can't visit your blog, but just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you.
DeleteI am deeply sorry to hear this. I am saying a prayer for you tonight, my dear.
DeleteHey Shuggy! I do the same thing. Sit and sip in front of the tree. Is that not the most relaxing thing in the history of ever? I don't know where Shuggy came from, just typed it out and decided to keep it. I adore your spirit. Reading blogs near the Christmas tree right now with a cuppa. Half dressed, half in my jams. It's gonna be a good day of clean a little, sit a little, clean a little, sit a little. Tossed in with bakes and Christmas movies. Wishing you a wonderful rest of your day!
ReplyDeletePS: LLLLLLLOVE those little clip on candles. Brilliant I say, brilliant.
ReplyDeleteFor Sam: Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tree, Shug! I'll be praying for a safe trip, a successful biopsy as well as Sam's anxiety.
Me too.
Delete"See? It doesn't take much for light to win. Just show up with a willing heart."
ReplyDeleteOH! 💙💙💙
The tree is beautiful and the message you shared from what you see on it is even more beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYour words and your photos most certainly gave me that Sunday morning glow in my heart today, Shug. That's what I love the most about Christmas, too, are the soft lights on the tree. I could sit for hours just taking it all in. God is found in the little blessings, always. Prayers for safe travels and great results!
ReplyDeleteYour tree looks so pretty, and I'm guessing the orange slices and cinnamon sticks are making your home smell wonderful as well.
ReplyDeleteWas very encouraged by ""See? It doesn't take much for light to win. Just show up with a willing heart."" Words I was really needing to hear today.
Just prayed for Sam--peace, comfort, strength, a smooth procedure, and encouraging results. And safe travels coming and going for both of you.
My eyes are too misty. I can hardly see my keyboard.
ReplyDeleteYour words are a lovely as those flickering tree candles.
Moments of Peace, breathing in the Fragrance of the Lord on His Day.
Prayers for you and Sam as you travel and for a good report from the Doctors.
Love you my Friend.
Sue
Your tree is so stunning! You knew exactly where to put each decoration! It looks like something out of a fairy tale. Be assured, my dear friend, that I am praying for safe travel, a good procedure, and a good report. A week is too long to have to wait!
ReplyDeleteYou were so wise to put that tree up early. Yes, continued prayers for you and Sam. Thank you so much for keeping us informed.
ReplyDeleteNo Christmas tree yet in my house, but I'm finding the same feeling of contentment looking out at the beautiful fall leaves.
ReplyDeleteI just noticed that you don't have the pre-lit tree and you have the gorgeous candles to light it up. I have never seen them before. I can see how you can just sit there and think and feel warm and safe. It's stunning. Prayers for you and Sam as you travel and for a good report from the Doctors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful -- both your tree and these words. See, I believe some of the most heartfelt moments of worship don't have to take place in a church building.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers!
Dear Shug, I love your tree and this post, as all your posts, is wonderful! Keeping you and Sam in my prayers, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteYour tree is wonderful, Shug. I love everything about it - it's a tree filled with all the good things of nature. Love the orange slices and the cinnamon sticks, and those candle lights are so pretty. I like the woodsy look, but then you gave it some pops of RED. I noticed the little snowman in front too, I love snowmen. It's nice that your tree brings you joy, Shug. And your words tonight were very special and beautiful.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
The lights are a nice addition. There's too many trinkets and stuff on the tree, so much clutter that the poor tree is hidden and hardly any green is visible. One solution may be to get more than one tree.
ReplyDeleteAll we need is a mustard seed size of hope and faith ....
ReplyDeleteBut be careful; if we all came and sat by your tree it would be very crowded and we'll eat all your cookies and cakes.
God bless.
Your tree is beautiful and I love the candle lights. I also love the message you found in them.
ReplyDeleteYou have the gift of positivity and faith. Thinking of you and Sam this week as you travel further in your journey.
ReplyDeletemost days its all I can do to show up and keep standing, and candles are great to help do that, love those candles. I like fairy lights and twinkle lights and real of fake candle light. especially in the dark hours of wake up time. I turn the nook lights on as soon as I walk in the living room...
ReplyDelete