“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”
Proverbs 15:3 ESV
Welcome to December. I find myself wondering how could it be that Christmas is only 3 weeks away? We are scaling back a little on decorating and finding ways to simplify for the season. Well, at least that’s the plan. Plans are subject to change!
My plan was to trim (no pun intended) the outdoor activity and work load… but as you can see, maybe my plans have already gone awry!
It is an incredibly busy season and it’s often hard to stay focused on the true reason to celebrate. We are reminded that Jesus is the light of the world. Walking through this life in darkness will most assuredly cause us to stumble!
A dear friend of ours was privileged last week to travel to Atlanta to participate as a volunteer at a processing center for Samaritan’s Purse. This is one of many processing centers across the country where tens of thousands of volunteers serve annually to prepare shoeboxes to send to needy children literally all over the planet. If you aren’t familiar with “Operation Christmas Child”, check it out at samaritanspurse.org. This is an annual event that sends shoebox gifts to children in over 100 countries! Volunteers speak of how well organized the operation is, with our friend saying, “it runs like a well oiled machine”! Pam and I have participated for several years by preparing shoeboxes. Have you ever been a part of “Operation Christmas Child”? They do a fantastic job!
We thought we would share a little red and green and wish you a Merry Christmas a few weeks ahead. I’m certain you will hear it again from us but maybe you will not tire of the wish. Retirement has given Pam and me opportunities to spend more time together doing various things that previous schedules didn’t allow. We are committed to this which means I will get to learn about tablescapes and other interesting topics.
“Whatever time we don’t spend together, we spend apart”
~Butch Richardson
The coral bark maple has almost gone bare for the coming winter The girls found the abundance of small leaves highly to their liking. EK said there was a bird’s nest on her head. So creative!
The Japanese maples were still very much filled with color early last week…
…but what a difference a day makes. And of course, rain and wind always speeds up the process!
Our son discovered a set of 6 vintage Coca-Cola Christmas glasses while cleaning out a stall in the barn. All were in good condition. I don’t know the history, except at some point, a previous owner apparently stored them there. The glasses have been placed back in service for the holidays!
These guys absolutely love a rainy day. I had on a gray hoodie with my hands placed in the front pockets. I walked with my elbows out and moved my arms like wings as I moved closer and closer. I was amazed that they never moved away. I really believe I looked like a very large turkey which gave these shy birds no cause for alarm.
While on one of my jogging routes I came across this nice golden oak, glowing in the afternoon sun. Having my phone with me, I stopped briefly for a pic. I heard a strange sound above and turned to see…
…a flying saucer hovering nearby. OK, it’s not a real flying saucer, but you have to admit it sorta looks like one. Appalachian Media was surveying the neighborhood from the air by drone and spotted me some distance from the house while I was getting in a few running miles. I clicked for a photo and had no idea I had captured anything!
I was in our downtown a couple of weeks back and the very large gingko near City Hall was completely green, no color at all. Yesterday was a different story as the colors of autumn are blending in with the Christmas gazebo.
Throwback time…part of our city, 6 years ago last week! Thanks Appalachian Media!
Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed week.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 ESV
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
EM behind EK looks like a Greek goddess the way she’s standing and holding the leaves, while EK is showing whimsy, so cute.
So glad you two are enjoying more quality time doing simple daily things.
I always love the seasonal photos. It’s a true journal of our lives, weather and surroundings. I hopenyou have a great week.
Rita, always a joy to receive your kind words. Pam and I truly appreciate your encouragement! Have a blessed week.
I love the vintage glasses! The girls are enjoying themselves using their imagination. The yellow and red leaves are so pretty. We’re out of town enjoying the seasonal festivities of a smaller town with lifelong friends. It’s wonderful to see them and celebrate together. We will scale back decorating this year since we’re getting a much later than normal start. We’re glad the outside of our house is mostly done as we wanted to be greeted with some decorations upon our return. The turkeys are numerous and must feel pretty safe in their surroundings. Enjoy your day! Clara ❤️
Samaritan’s purse is a wonderful organization! We highly recommend them to everyone as they show up at every disaster it seems. I love the fact that they do the shoeboxes for children at Christmas too! Clara❤️
Clara, thanks for your comments and for taking timeout from your trip to spend some time with us! I started later this year on my outside decorating but felt I could since I do have more time to do it. Pam and I share your thoughts on Samaritans purse. They do seem to be on the scene quickly when disaster strikes. Have a safe trip home!
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! I enjoyed seeing your week in photographs. The girls are absolutely precious! I can’t believe Christmas is only three weeks away! Wishing you both a Merry Christmas season, and a wonderful week ahead!
Thank you so much Shannon. Pam and I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy these festive, but busy days!
Samaritan purse Lead by Franklin Graham is a blessing whom e er they touch. Yes I have filled shoe boxes for those children in need. We have hope when others don’t. What beautiful blue skies you show. Wish I could take a morning run with you. Have a blessed week.
Thank you Alice. I don’t run as far or as fast these days but blessed for each day I get to do it. Have a good week!
Butch
There’s always so much beauty in your posts, Pam. EK being my favorite. I love how you’re “trimming” this year. Samaritan’s Purse project is the reason for our season of giving and you have displayed all the outside beauty around you so well. Your inner soul and beauty ooze throughout this site. I thank God for another day and being able to “see” you. By the way, I also love the bridge view and Coke glass! I love you, Pam! 🎄🎄💚🥰💛
Karla, you are a blessing to me. You are always in my thoughts and prayers, sweet friend. I love you ♥️🙏🏻🎄🎶🌹
Thank you, Pam. This morning I thought of you as I began two Christmas devotions. You have a special place in my heart 💚🎄. I’ve prayed for a blessed week for us all! Much love and hugs! 🎄🎄💚🤗
Karla, I have just prayed for you, precious friend. Love and hugs ♥️🙏🏻🎄
💕🥰🎄 prayer warriors!
How fun to find those coke glasses. We do Operation Christmas Child each year with our grand girls. They love to take a few boxes each and fill them with all kinds of things for a child. I love that we can teach them to share kindness and they are always amazed at how many children go without the basic things in life. We are so blessed to have everything we need and they have nothing. I like them to see the big world we live in and how there are so many not as blessed as we are in this world. Have a great weekend. xoxo Kris
Kris, thanks for sharing. Pam and I agree that Operation Christmas Child is a great way to teach our children so much. Have a wonderful week!
Every year I think about doing shoeboxes for Samaritan’s purse, and every year I am too late. Their cutoff is in early November, so I need a reminder in October. Going to put that on my calendar for next year now. I end up donating the shoeboxes locally to our shelter instead, so they never go to waste.
Thanks Carole. Your gifts of kindness are never too late and I am sure there is a great need right there at your local shelter!
Butch
thank you and Blessings to you both.
Thank you Kari and blessings to you!
Butch
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam. It is a very chilly and dark Sunday here. I love the picture of EM and EK; as Rita said, EM looks like the statue of a Greek goddess! Butch, I would have loved to see you sneaking up on those turkeys! Our dogs have been busy bringing a dead deer back, bit by bit. Yesterday I had to bag up the head…yuck. Maybe your job with Pam’s beautiful tablescapes could be food tester!!
Roxanne, Pam and I do not envy your method of having venison! And, I never thought about applying for the job of food tester. I think that’s a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
I always look forward to your scriptures and photos. So uplifting
thanks for sharing!
Thank you Kay for your encouraging words. Have a great week!
Butch
Oh my, those shots of and from the heavens… captivating…as are the darling Em &EK who would be perfect models for an enchanting children’s story…that photo of them would be a perfect fit. Though you are trying to “simplify” quantitatively, Butch, Pam is bound to retain qualitatively the theme of beauty and elegance that is her hallmark. Looking forward to the
grand reveal. We earmarked this year’s Samaritan’s Christmas and shoebox contribution for the Ukraine…. those dear people have lost so much. Those coke glasses are worthy of a re-issue, don’t you think? Thank you for the beautiful Sabbath stroll and the Proverbs and Numbers inspiration.
Thank you so much Mary. I agree that simple does not negate quality and I’m sure Pam will see to that! Pam and I so appreciate your kind words each week. I didn’t realize you could designate the shoeboxes but Ukraine is a great choice. Have a blessed week.
Wonderful in every way, but EK’s ensemble tops them all and fills me with joy!
Thank you so much Jeanie. EK’s ensemble was at least inexpensive!
Butch
I had to take a double look at EM as she held that handful of leaves in her hands. She looked like a Goddess! Both girls are getting so much older.
The tree colors are wonderful to see.
And I am so happy to hear your schedules are not colliding since you both retired.
Merry December!
Sorry I am late but I visited my step Grandson yesterday. Your beautiful post has brighten my day! Hugs and blessings dear friends.
Thank you dear one!
I always love the sky shots and they are gorgeous here today as well, but that maple was stunning! Before the wind and the rain of course. EM and EK are the princesses that steal the scene – a bird nest, no less. The Samaritan’s Purse sounds like a fabulous organization so thanks for the tip. Hope you two have a lovely week!
Thank you, Kim. Our grandchildren are loads of fun. Merry week to you!
Pam
Our friends just went to the Boone, NC location of Operation Christmas Child. They do such great work there. We went to a Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn. event there, but have never gone for the shoebox work. I am so thankful for all they do!
Yes, they are a wonderful organization!