something good

The real hope is not in something we think we can do, but in God, who is making something good out of it in some way we cannot see.

Thomas Merton

Photo by Cheryl Cook

harmony

Where there is discord may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. Where there is despair, may we bring hope.

Francis of Assisi

Photo by Mark Wood

wintery

“December’s wintery breath is already clouding the pond, frosting the pane, obscuring summer’s memory…”

– John Geddes

Photo by Cheryl Cook

hope

I am not an optimist, because I am not sure that everything ends well. Nor am I a pessimist, because I am not sure that everything ends badly. I just carry hope in my heart. Hope is the feeling that life and work have a meaning. You either have it or you don’t, regardless of the state of the world that surrounds you. Life without hope is an empty, boring and useless life. I cannot imagine that I could strive for something if I did not carry hope in me. I am thankful to God for this gift. It is as big as life itself.

Vaclav Havel

Photo by Bob McCoy

Perfectly Whole

Whiter Than Snow

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole,
I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whiter than snow; yes, whiter than snow;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,
Apply Thine own blood and extract every stain;
To get this blest cleansing I all things forego;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies,
And help me to make a complete sacrifice;
I give up myself and whatever I know;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat;
I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet;
By faith, for my cleansing I see Thy blood flow;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, Thou seest I patiently wait;
Come now, and within me a new heart create;
To those who have sought Thee Thou never saidst, No;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lyrics: James Nicholson
Music: Willaim Gustavux Fischer (1835 – 1912)
Photo:Michael Demastus

outside

“Outside the house it was storming, a busy downfall of flakes that the wind blew lightly across acres of old snow left from December.”

– Gladys Hasty Carroll

Photo by Marge McCoy

Merry Christmas!

May the Peace of Christ be with you today! Merry Christmas!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6

Photo by Jean Pike

shine

 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Jesus Christ

Matthew 5:16

Photo by Marge McCoy

memories

Like snowflakes, 

my Christmas memories gather and dance –

each beautiful, unique and gone too soon.

Deborah Whipp

Photo courtesy of Garrigues Family Album

for december

“May and October, the best-smelling months? I’ll make a case for December: evergreen, frost, wood smoke, cinnamon.”

– Lisa Kleypas

Photo by Marge McCoy