During the end of year sale last year, I bought a large white Christmas pre-lit Tree (my dream tree) and I have been dreaming of a White Christmas Décor since then. I failed at keeping my promise to hold off until the weekend after Thanksgiving. I have been so excited about decorating that I couldn’t wait any longer.
White Christmas Tree (with my favorite ornaments).
Today was decoration day number one and we pulled out all the boxes of Christmas decorations. We got the tree up, fluffed its branches up to make them look full, place the Christmas skirt around the bottom and we started decorating. The tree decoration is partially complete; I am still waiting on the jeweled tree hooks I ordered a few days ago for my glass ball ornaments. Our color choices this year are: white, blue, silver, brown, red, gold and a little green, to complement the gorgeous Owl below. There are two more owls, one on the tree branch and the other on the wreath. I miss my little green tree, we had fun decorating it for years. All we have left is to set the Choo-Choo Train around the tree and decorate the Mantel.
Owl Ornament & Owl Candle Tin.
I bought the Owl Ornament at Kohl’s and the Owl Candle Tin at Michael’s.
You can purchase your own Life’s a Hoot With Sisters keepsake ornament here.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
I had my share of bullying growing up, one of which ended with a physical fight (and my bully never messed with me again). You see, I was a quiet one growing up and it made me an easy target for bullying. Anyways, a girl from my neighborhood regarded my slender body shape and silence as weaknesses because I refused to give into her constant attacks. One afternoon she decided to pick a fight while I was walking home. I kept calm and kept walking while she was insulting and pushing me. Just about two minutes away from home, some bystanders (who knew I was being bullied) made the situation worse by cheering. When that girl pushed me, again and again, I knew right there that the only way out was to fight back and win. That’s exactly what I did and she never bothered me again. I am in no way promoting violence; however, there comes a time in life when you are giving a choice: win (live) or loose (die). Which will you choose?
I have also been bullied because of my nose. I knew better because I was conscious about the size of my then disproportionate nose. I was coached about the temporary unevenness of growth during puberty and I was thought by my Sister to put and love myself first no matter what. She was my role model who constantly reminded me that I was beautiful inside and out. I believed and I refused to be defined by any part of my body.
For you the sufferers, I say, give silent words. Avoid the bullies if you can. If you can’t, always stay calm and never show them that you’re hurt (they will use it, if you do). Seek help, reach out to someone, speak up. In some extreme situations it’s best to have someone else fight your fight. Don’t stay down for too long as you might get comfortable and decide to adopt that position. Train yourself to memorize these powerful words: I am Worthy. You are a work in process yet to be perfected by the Almighty Father. You have the right to exist.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
The bottom line is that we are not what people think of us: we are what we believe to be. We become what we perceive ourselves to be. In a material world, some people seem to be better than others (I said ‘seem’ because certain things can’t be bought, which takes us back to the theory of appearances). You may not be better than someone, but no body is better than you and you have to believe it. Your oppressor is the one with issues, not you. Each time someone throws a hurtful word at you, you tell yourself: ‘self, I am not perfect, but I am worthy and I will not accept less.’ Sometimes your body language sends a false message, which a bully sees as weakness and decides to pick on you. Take a self-defense class to prepare you for those times when things really get out of hand and there’s no one to call for help. Change begins with you and you alone can decide when to start.
“You are a person. Words are labels.
Don’t ever accept to be labeled because labels are for things and you are not.” — Joan Ambu
If you witness someone being bullied, act. Be a good bystander and help out (defend the victim, find a way to discourage the bully or get an adult involved). Don’t be neutral because it could as well be you. Be more than just a bystander: reach out and stop it before it starts, if you can.
I know that some of us are not Believers and/or Christ followers. However, there is the Golden Rule which states that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Watch your mouths and most importantly, watch your inner thoughts. How are you using your words today? Are you using them to build or to destroy?
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:36-37 (NIV)
No matter which time or season of the year is it, one thing I love about Holidays is that the Universe always conspires in our favor to make it a good day. A memorable day. Sometimes tragedy strikes and when that happens, we get trapped in our own gray clouds and we stop seeing beauty in the World. Words become silent. People become invisible. We feed, breathe, eat and live on our pain.
I know it all too well. Although it never comes to pass, some days are better than others. As time goes by, the emptiness gets filled with acceptance and gratitude. Tragedy is always devastating and God’s compassion’s are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). The unfathomable love of God comforts, liberates, transforms, strengthens, renews and restores.
Image Source: SearchQuotes.com.
An unexpected Blessing to me is an answer to a Prayer said, trusting that God will get to it, no matter how long it takes. Such blessings usually come in small packages and gives so much joy to the receiver. After planting and watering my last bulbs, I decided to check the mailbox. Even though I wasn’t expecting any delivery due to Thanksgiving holiday, I felt an urge to check the mailbox. Underneath a pile of coupons was a white envelop. An unexpected Blessing. All I could do was smile and whisper a grateful ‘Thank You, Jesus.’
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Prayer is a miracle waiting to happen. Pray ceaselessly. Be patient. Ask with a clean heart, with faith and with obedience. When you are frustrated and get tired of asking without getting an answer, don’t give up. After your daily prayer, remind God of your request. Giving up means you don’t need His help because if you did, you wouldn’t. Pay close attention to your surroundings (to recognize answers) as your answered prayer may come through a different source. Above all, trust that God will get to you, no matter how long it takes.
“An unexpected Blessing is an answer to a Prayer said, trusting that God will get to it, no matter how long it takes.” — Joan Ambu
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice.” – Meister Eckhart
“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.” – Abraham Lincoln
While we are thankful for:
Our lives
Family and Friends
Love and Blessings
Joyful hearts and good health
Staying true to ourselves
Peace of mind and living in a War free country
Mistakes and Failures (“My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at His feet.” – Mahatma Gandhi)
Pain and Sorrow (“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” – Isaiah 61:3 (NLT))
God’s Unfailing Love
We are constantly reminded that they are people out there who have little to nothing and who fight just to exist. Our prayers are with them, always.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
What a day! We’ve been running errands all morning (from mailing gifts to visiting Vintage shops and everything in between). We stopped by Lowe’s®, where I picked up a pair of Christmas Stockings, some plants, bulbs and a few Barrel Planters. We made a quick stop at Kohl’s® to get the last items on our Christmas decoration list.
As I went to check the mails after unloading the plants from the car, I found a large package waiting for me in the mailbox. By its weight and without looking at the senders address; I knew it was the gifts from my niece to her little cousins. While my Mom was visiting with them in France early this month, she promised to send Books, CDs and other souvenirs to her cousins. These are just a few of them. My son was so excited that he started reading. He has been anxious to read the stories even though they are written in French. Starting tomorrow, we will pick up where we left off and I am confident that he will be fluent in French in no time.
Livres & CDs Pour Enfants: 2 à 5 ans.
I am grateful for this day and I can’t wait to find out what tomorrow has in store for me.
By JM Perez
