Where is Christ?

The tree is up. The gifts are wrapped and hidden until Christmas morning. It has been a whirlwind of year end functions, carol services and getting together with friends old and new. A time of remembering and longing for family and friends who are far away or have gone Home. Excited shrieks of "Mommy, look, there is a Christmas ( tree)''  every time we go to the shops. Endless poring over of every gift catalogue shoved into our hands as thechildren dream of all the toys they want under the tree. Adults worrying  over budgets stretched beyond breaking point and wondering what the New Year will hold.

In the midst of this, where is Christ? I have been so wrapped up in planning  for Christmas that I have lost sight of Christ. I worry over broken budgets, a mom who has lost her job, a new school in 2014 for my "baby" who has a learning disability, a move to a new house that was not wanted or planned. My heart is broken for a baby who would have celebrated her 7th birthday this December but who went home to her heavenly Father long before I was ready to let her go. My worry, business and fear have clouded my mind and I have completely lost sight of Christ this Christmas. I need to come back to the foot of the cross, kneel and worship before the baby. Lay my fears, worries, grief and business at the foot of the Baby and climb into my Heavenly Fathers arms. He who knows the depths of my heart and who has every second of my life planned.

Look past the lights and tinsel and draw close to the Christ of  Christmas because without Him there would be no hope for what lies past Christmas day.

Merry Christmas and may His love draw you close this Christmas season

December days

 

As I listen to the gentle patter of summer rain on the roof, another Christmas holiday comes to mind, one of snow, freezing temperatures and covering myself up like a Michelin man in order to stay warm. Hot chocolate, nearly getting lost in blizzard while out skiing and tobogganing down a steep hill at breakneck speed. I loved living in Europe but a warm, wet African December with wild lightning strikes and thunder showers is really what summer holidays are about for me.

Another sweltering, soggy summer day here in "sunny" South Africa. I cannot believe the amount of rain we have had over the past few days. It makes it challenging with everybody at home at the moment, as we are all under each others feet the whole time and there is not really place for anybody to do anything. I have to be really creative in keeping the children busy while my husband retires to our bedroom to read when it all gets a bit too much ( a really good idea). However, with a bit of planning and a few visits to granny and grandpa, hopefully we will all start the new year rested and refreshed.

We are moving again and although I DREAD the move itself, I am so looking forward to a larger garden, a swimming pool and a separate play room for the children. Also a much larger kitchen, which will make the cake baking a lot easier. Also more space for entertaining, which I have done nothing of in the past 3 years.

I have indulged myself a bit these holidays and bought a Yankee candle. What bliss. I love the gentle, sweet smell throughout the lower level of the house. I have also bought a few new plates, bowls, cups and cutlery from Mr Price Home. Very pretty and they did not break the bank.

So, few bits and pieces from a warm and wet South Africa