“The goal is to live creatively, not to experience individual creative events. Resist the pressure to create something artistic and perfect in order to prove yourself creatively. The goal of a creative life is expression, not perfection; you have the freedom to pour out your heart to God, regardless of how well you do it.” ~ Alice Bass, The Creative Life, pg. 84

What about this month puts a smile in your heart?

My own Christmas pleasures: Writing by the snap-crackle-pop of a toasty fire, mulberry-scented pillar candles brightly burning, and sipping hot cinnamon-apple tea beside our twinkly tree. But Christmas is never complete without hearing once again the deeply moving lyrics of Handel’s Messiah. I never tire of it.

What traditions do you enjoy? Feeling Scroogie? Make memories! Enjoy the sights and sounds! Rejoice in Emmanuel, God with us, for He is the Light in our dark and sinful world.

“The most vivid memories of Christmases past are usually not of gifts given or received, but of the spirit of love, the special warmth of Christmas worship, the cherished little habits of the home.” ~ Lois Rand

“Tradition gives us a sense of solidarity and roots, a knowing there are some things one can count on.” ~ Gloria Gaither

“God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love…the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas which is Christ.” ~ Wilda English

“As God loveth a cheerful giver, so he also loveth a cheerful taker, who takes hold on his gifts with a glad heart.” ~ John Donne

Taking time this week to reflect, pray, and ponder His ways. Hope your Christmas was filled with all the things that bring you joy - but especially the awesome love of our Savior.

You’re invited to begin the Christmas season with a very special tea party given in celebration of our friendship.

‘Tis the season to thank my writerly, bloggerly, and readerly friends who encourage me throughout the year. Your friendship is a blessing! We’ve readied the rooms, decked the halls, and hung sprigs of mistletoe and holly. So let’s celebrate! When you drop your calling card, please share what you’re especially thankful for today.

My heart recalls:

* The goodness of the Lord in repairing hubby’s aortic aneurysm this summer!

* The goodness of the Lord in giving us a new daughter-in-law as our youngest son married his high school sweetheart this year.

* The goodness of the Lord in broadening my writing ministry and enabling me in His grace and steadfastness.

* The goodness of the Lord, period!

Your turn! The wassail’s on the stove, or if you prefer, take a little peppermint tea. Grab a china cup and let the rejoicing begin!

Wassail Bowl:
1 gallon apple cider
1 large can pineapple juice
1 cup orange spice herb tea
1 tablesoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon whole allspice
2 cinnamon sticks
square piece of muslin cloth
small piece of string

Mix the juices together in a big pot or crock pot. Put the spices in the middle of a small square of muslin cloth and tie with a string into a little bundle. Put the spice bag in the post and let the whole thing simmer 4-8 hours. Add water if the wassail gets too strong.

Merry Christmas, friends.

You’ll find more Thankful Thursday posts at Laurel Wreath’s and Windows to My Soul

“All of life, even the painful or dull moments, is a gift. That’s the place to start if you want to learn to look through the rosy lens of gratitude.” ~ Thomas Kinkade, artist

Pausing to thank God for the joy of experiencing:

* the lovely fall scenery outside my office window.
* the smell of hazelnut coffee brewing in the morning.
* a myriad of comforts for my achy, aging body: heating pad, vibrating chair massager, wrist brace, gel inserts for my shoes, Birkenstocks for hurting feet.
* writerly conveniences: HP printer/scanner/fax/copier, digital camera, my laptop.
* warm fuzzies: emails/cards from friends, Facebook gifts, Southern Lady magazine.
* brisk autumn air as I walk to the mailbox.
* a new recipe for pumpkin bread.
* enjoying the renewal of friendships, new and old.
* anticipating the holidays and family get-togethers.
* brainstorming for future articles, devotionals, and blog posts.
* soaking up Scriptures that reveal the Father’s heart for me.
* falling into bed each night, knowing that I am loved without a shadow of doubt.

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For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Crystal . Blessings to all of you!

“A calling is simply God’s shaping of your burden and beckoning you to your service to him in the place and pursuit of his choosing. Finding your home in your service to Christ is key to noticing the threads designed just for you. It gives you that hand-in-glove sensation and provides the security of knowing that you are utilizing your gifts and your will to God’s ends first, not yours. When your will becomes aligned with God’s will, his calling upon you has found its home.”

~ Ravi Zacharias, The Grand Weaver