Christmas outside

This year I did something very different. I took Christmas outside. In case you forgot, I live in Michigan not Florida. It gets very cold and snowy here. But we bought one of those outside heaters and it works pretty good. So let me share about what you see.

THe plaid covering on the antique glider is a large size tablecloth from Walmart. It’s the only thing I bought new for this project.

The tablecloth is vintage. I collect vintage tablecloths and love them. They are not all Christmas themed. The various blankets you see are ones I used on my front porch theme in the past.

Of course, I pained the sign. Obviously, I didn’t take a lot of time for it.

The Details

My dad made the little wagon and if you look closely at the back of the wagon, you will see a wooden stocking my mom made. I miss them, especially at this time of year. Those of you who have who have lost someone, know how that feels.

So ask me, do I go outside on really cold days? Yes, I do. There is an antique hanging light that is really cool. I go out there when it’s dark and turn on the light and the heater. The heater has to stay on low for at least five minutes. I go back inside and get my coffee going and my Bible and accessories ready. Unless it’s really windy, that’s where I have my devotions.

I love it. It’s quiet and cozy. I cuddle up with the blankets and get all comfy. I hope to do it after surgery as well, once I’m mobile and able. It’s amazing I do this because I’m not a fan of cold weather but for some reason, I love this. I love this quiet time with God outside in the world He created.The only problem is my hands. They get cold because I am having to turn pages, etc.

This is a busy week for me. We have everyone over this weekend. I’m looking forward to it.

My husband and I have baked five different kinds of cookies and our famous Anzac cookies. We’ve probably baked about fifteen dozen of those. No, I’m not kidding. Could even be more than that. Today we are baking even more. We give away a lot of these. You really should try these. They last forever.

Anyway, I hope the rest of your week is good.

God bless each of you.

• 
  Four easy ways to use the Psalms as a Journal
  If you’ve ever sat down to journal and stared at a blank page not knowing what to write — or felt too overwhelmed to even try, I would suggest four easy ways to use the Psalms to process your thoughts. The Psalms Help Us Process Not just as Scripture to read. But as a model… Read more: Four easy ways to use the Psalms as a Journal
• 
  Stop Waiting. Live Your Life. Live It Now!
  This week, I was sitting on the phone with tech support. for a long time. That got me thinking. I thought about life in general and asked myself whether there were things in my life I was waiting on. Was I putting some things on hold? How about you? Stop waiting. Live your life. Are you “on hold”… Read more: Stop Waiting. Live Your Life. Live It Now!
• 
  Grace In The Wilderness: A Way Through the Struggle
  Introduction Life is full of challenges, and as Christians, we are not exempt from struggles. In fact, our faith often calls us to face trials with courage and trust in God. But what does it really feel like to struggle as a Christian? This post explores the raw, honest emotions and experiences of facing difficulties… Read more: Grace In The Wilderness: A Way Through the Struggle
• Are You Hearing the Spirit’s Voice? Four ways to know.
  Every believer hears two voices. Hearing the Spirit’s voice isn’t that hard. But it means silencing the other one. Scripture:   “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 Four ways to tell the difference. The Holy Spirit’s conviction is a gift. It is the gentle nudge of a… Read more: Are You Hearing the Spirit’s Voice? Four ways to know.
• 
  How To Find Joy In God When Life Feels Heavy
  🌘 It’s hard to find joy, even the joy that comes from God, when life feels so heavy. That’s because we often confuse joy with happiness. They’re not the same. Happiness depends on our circumstances, while joy comes from God. There are seasons when the world feels dimmer than it should. Times when you wake… Read more: How To Find Joy In God When Life Feels Heavy

I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week.