A year of unexpected changes
it all seemed so unreal
called to look beyond our plans
pain difficult to conceal
Now looking back it all makes sense
although it seemed a huge expense
the love we share...the time we spare
the sacrifices of those who care
the truth we speak...the joy we seek
the ups & downs we lift in prayer
the heart is truly our prize possession
for it reveals our deep discretions
the gift of grace from Christ alone
is the most important thing we own
Our Christmas tree is small and bright
adorned with umbrellas that shine in the light
showered with blessings when it was difficult to cope
we never lost our faith and hope
So we celebrate...we jingle bells
we trim our home and wish all well
We bid farewell to what we had...and realize "Heck...it ain't so bad"!
Merry Christmas
Beautiful my friend...simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I LOVE the poem!!!
You gotta know, I love your poem.
ReplyDeleteIt fits our life to a tee too.
Love your bright and cheery decorations.
What a cute little tree! And poem! Yes, you have had lots of challenges and changes. Hoping next year is better!
ReplyDeleteThat tree with the umbrellas is so pretty and unique. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWell put and very creative. I love your tree!!:-)
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
love the tree..wish I could come tonight...don't have too much fun without me
ReplyDeletexo gracie
That tree is adorable and the poem very nice!!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes we don't know why life changes suddenly so much, but I love that you have kept your faith, your hope and your joy. Your joy is infectious and encouraging so never let it go! I loved reading your poem and looking at your umbrella tree. Thankyou!
ReplyDeleteI love that little tree...adorable! I also love the bubble gum machine with your decos...so fun!
ReplyDeleteYour creativity is overflowing in this post. The tree is adorable and your poem is just beautiful. I hope 2011 will be a less challenging year for you.
ReplyDeleteI love little trees. Love yours. I hope next year is better for you. So glad that you feel that what you have gone through ended up the best.
ReplyDeleteCute tree and poem.
ReplyDeletenow that is an adorable tree
ReplyDeleteThe little umbrellas on the tree are sweet! Happy holidays, my friend! ♥
ReplyDeleteSuch fun decorations and a beautiful poem...thanks for sharing...Shelley
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post and poem-
ReplyDeleteand you are so right.
This speaks to so many of us for different reasons.
Everything looks special and lovely.
Laura
White Spray Paint
Very festive and your words are so full of truth.
ReplyDeleteWhen we have unexpected changes in our lives it is hard to look beyond what we are dealing with.
Once everything calms down then we usually have some kind of idea of why we had to go through what we went through.
Enjoy the holiday season.
PS: It was so good to see you again at Dreaming!
melinda
Carrie, that is the cutest little tree ever, I love the tiny umbrellas on it! And this recipe in the previous post is amazing..thanks! :D
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie,
ReplyDeleteLOVE what you wrote and your tree is darling!!! It's all about Jesus and the other "stuff" is just stuff.
Blessings to you!
Deb :)
I for one
ReplyDeleteAm glad to know
That twenty-ten
Soon will go
Have a wonderful holiday season. I'm definitely looking forward to a shiny new year! :-)
what an adorable display!
ReplyDeleteand the poem is beutiful too.
Oh you! You did it again. DeLovely.
ReplyDeleteAnd ain't that the truth!
**blows minty Christmas kisses** Deb
It has been a trying year for me too Carrie! I love your poem and it is wonderful that your faith has remained strong! This festive "nook" is absolutely darling in every way!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet tree. Love, health, happiness, etc. is all that is truly important. I like the simplicity of your decorations.
ReplyDeleteCarrie~ The tree turned out cute, I love the little silver tinsel trees so charming and the other decorations look so festive. I am sure we will all have a better 2011. oxox, Diane
ReplyDeleteYour tree is gorgeous and your post is incredible. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting and wishing me well, with my blogging issues!
ReplyDeleteGentle Winter hugs...
What a beautiful, heartfelt post...and such lovely images...
ReplyDeleteI think we've all had a crazy year this year...but, like you said...it ain't so bad!
Thanks for coming by to visit me & for your kind comment. I'll be following along...I hope this is a wonderful Christmas season for you and your family!
Julie
Sweet Poem and decor!!
ReplyDelete(~~)
Julie
That is a very appropriate poem for the last two years of my life. Lots of sad things happened, but God always showers us with blessing during those rough times, too.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for writing a bit of the nursery rhyme on my Princess Post. I couldn't remember a thing about it, but now I have added to that post.
Thanks,
Joyce
So true and so beautiful.
ReplyDelete: )
Hi, Carrie! So glad you came by! I had no idea you two were sisters--that's wonderful! If I'm remembering right, she's in Newbury Park--and my parents lived there for years--just moved 4 years ago! I'm finding so many family connections between blog friends--it's great!
ReplyDeleteHope your weekend has been a good one!
Julie
I love that! You have walked through your valley with such grace and faith! I think you could make anywhere a home. That tree is so great and what a great theme!
ReplyDeleteLove to you and your family during this celebration of Christ's birth!