Yet, We have a Blessed HOPE

Two years ago today, Christmas Eve 2010, I awoke to find my Mark had left his earthly body to spend eternity with his Creator. I cannot express the devastation that lingered in the days, weeks and months which followed, but I can express the Joy that fills my heart when I remember the Blessed Hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Nothing in life can truly prepare us for the loss of our best friend, husband, child, parent or other loved one, but knowing the HOPE of eternity with Jesus can and does offer us comfort and even joy.

Tonight, as I reflect on the past two years as well as the celebration of the birth of Christ, I am met with peace! Things will never feel, look, smell or be the same as they were before heaven gained Mark's spirit, but each day is filled with new beginnings, new choices, and new opportunities to reflect the love of Christ and be Jesus with skin on to someone who needs to know He's real.

On this Christmas Eve, though my heart beats with a tinge of sadness for my loss, it also beats with great expectation for all that God desires to accomplish in my life as long as He gives me breath. I'm grateful for this Christmas, not for gifts, decorations and festivities, although those are great, I'm grateful for Jesus, for his birth oh so many years ago, for his life and for his death.  But mostly I am grateful for HOPE, because there is an empty tomb, because He Lives, because we have a promise of eternity with HIM.

As you walk through Christmas, take time to reflect on who you are in Christ, who He is in you, and if you have the Blessed Hope of Eternity with HIM!

I'm praying for you!!!

Merry Christmas!!

Last Minute Holiday Deals

I am so excited to be able to offer a couple of last minute holiday deals sponsored by The P&G e-store.  Though there are many deals available, I am highlighting a couple that I truly use and love! 

Here are the general deals P&G is offering:

15% off on a first-time order from a new customer, using promo code: A9Z-MN5-KY3-ISA
Free Shipping on orders over $25
Free Samples with every order.

Below are a few of the specific items I personally use and LOVE:

1.  Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System
I began using this product last summer and have absolultely loved it. The brush is soft with gentle revolutions and the exfoliating cleanser has an ever so slight texture as to help remove the dry cells on the surface of the skin.

2. Downy Unstopables In Wash Lush Scent Booster 13.2 oz 
Several months ago a friend mentioned that she found a newer product which she adds to her wash cycle. I use a homemade laundry soap so I wasn't sure I wanted to add something else, however after sampling this product I realized I Had to use it.  I like the light scent so much that I actually enjoy going into my garage (ie: laundry room) everyday!

3. CoverGirl LashBlast 24HR Mascara 
Macara is one of those things that takes some time to find the 'right' one.  I Have!!  Though I don't wear my mascara 24 hours a day, I do like the fact that this mascara doesn't come off before you get home from the office.







Connect by clicking on any of the product titles, they will take you directly to the P&G e-store where you can shop away and redeem the deals they are offering.  I hope you will take advantage of some of their great products:)

Prayers for Newtown

Our hearts are saddened

Our hearts are broken

Lord, Have Mercy on our Country!!!

 

Prayers for the Families left to Grieve!!!

December Daily 3 & 4

Hi Friends!

I'm working hard to decorate my home for Christmas

I'm hosting our family for dinner this year

And really want to make them all feel very welcomed

And loved...

This little deer usually sits under a red bottle brush bush

In my back yard but I wanted him to come in

And share in the festivities this year

So, he is warming himself under my tree



I won this cute tea pot a couple years ago

At a business party gift exchange

I love his quirky little face

He adds some cheer to my otherwise boring stove

And he is filled with Candy :)



This awesome box arrived a couple weeks ago

I haven't had much time to explore its contents

I thought I'd add it to my December Daily posts

Since it's kind of a Birthday/Christmas gift to myself

What's inside you might ask???

Well,

Nothing more than this BEAUTIFUL, SOFT,

Smells Like Leather

Camera Bag

I have had my camera for nearly 2 years

But have never spent the money for a bag to keep it in

This year I decided I would splurge and buy something for myself

I Love It!!!

It makes me smile because Mark would be proud

That I actually 'Finally' spent the $$$ to get it

Isn't the color Perfect the Christmas?

What are you doing to bring 'happy' to your heart this Christmas?

I pray you are taking time to reflect on HIM

As you 'do' Christmas

December Daily 1 & 2

It's difficult to believe it's THAT time of year again

Since Mark passed on Christmas Eve

The Holiday's are just not the same

BUT, it's time to get into the spirit of Christmas

December Daily

Helps me do just that

Over the past 2 days

I have gotten out my holiday sockies



A friend from work gave me the above

Nativity

I have been collecting them for many years

And this is a beautiful addition

Last year I bought a small tree

But when I took it out this year

I was shocked at just How Small it is

Maybe next year we'll get something a bit larger

I have a bit of a snowman theme this year

My kitchen tree

Matthew's bedroom tree

This little one in my bathroom

Smells delightful :)

And of course

My Christmas Jewelry is ready to wear

I'm working on keeping my attitude

Merry and Bright

And my Focus on the Gift of Jesus

Which gives me Hope of seeing my Mark again