Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Taking Peace This Christmas


Dearest Friends,

Thank you for visiting with us today. We hope that you are giving yourself the gift of peace before Christmas! So many times we feel guilty if we do not buy gifts for every person we've ever met (or so it seems), and run ourselves frazzled trying to make others happy. Our bodies, however, know that this is the time of year for rest and renewal, and can rebel after too much neglect.


Be sure to savor some time out in nature as much as possible (things always look better after a little fresh air), and bring your family with you if you can. A little nature exploration can be one of the memories you treasure in coming years, and you can find little treasures like seedpods and pine cones to give as gifts (include a little note about where you found your treasures, and why they're special to you).

We love decorating our home with nature, and our tree bears many natural decorations!


This mouse is made of two acorns and pipe cleaners~

An acorn cap "bird nest" with bean "eggs"~


~And a delightfully-scented clove-spiked orange slice!


 A dear friend sent us this super-adorable rabbit ornament~


~And another sent us this sweet angel that we love.


Instead of running to the store for a last-minute gift, why not take some time to nourish your soul today? You can always give post-Christmas gifts, which will be more remembered anyway!


Wishing you peace on this day,

(Napping with a cat is a great way to take peace)




Marqueta

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It was the winter wild, 
While the heaven-born child
  All meanly wrapt in the rude manger lies;
    Nature, in awe to him,
    Had doffed her gaudy trim,
  With her great Master so to sympathize:
 
~John Milton 

18 comments:

  1. Beautiful post Marqueta...Christmas blessings to your home.

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  2. Merry Christmas to you dear friend!

    Tu arbol se ve tan hermoso...lleno de curiosidades :-)

    Con mucho carino,

    Maria

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  3. Merry Christmas, my dear girl! You have the right attitude. May peace and plenty follow you all your days.

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  4. Hear, Hear, or is it the other here lol which ever I agree. Its funny you posting this when I was going to do something like it too. At least the nature part.

    I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

    Love,
    Erika

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  5. Thanks for the reminder to just slow down and enjoy the simple things. Love the little bird's nest with the bean "eggs".
    Merry Christmas!

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  6. Hi Marqueta! Such lovely pictures you've shared, and in the previous post too- loved the chickens, and the little boy who loved the Christmas tree. That's a beautiful moment you captured of your daughter with her violin. I agree so much about keeping peace during this season. I'm learning to let go and let God and it's felt so good especially during this time of year :o)

    ~ Merry Christmas ~

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  7. Merry Christmas sweet friend.
    Blessing.Dottie

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  8. Merry Christmas to you and your family....Peace is a wonderful thing!! Hopefully soon I will be back where I can write some letters I have so much to share lol!! it might look like a book hehehe ~Have a great Christmas Love Heather

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  9. Loving the Milton quote from "On Christ's Nativity." Such a lovely poem!

    When you get a chance, please email me your address. I have a book to share with you!

    Merry Christmas, Marqueta!

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  10. Dear Marqueta,

    I love these recent posts! So homey and sweet! One day, hopefully, I shall have a home again where I can enjoy nature and feed the birds. :)


    Wishing you old-fashioned happiness!

    Love,
    Lynn

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  11. Marqueta, I am not telling a tall tale here: every time I visit I get such a happy feeling. I NEEDED this post. Yes I do feel guilty & a walk in the woods or by the riverbank is just what I really need. I'm taking you up on your wise words. Peace & Joy to you and yours this Christmas.

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  12. There is so much you can do with a humble acorn, sweet. I do like your advice... to take it easy, reflect, enjoy natures gifts and that of the Greatest Gift of all. And here is a quote, I read on Sharon Lovejoys blog, I would like to pass along:

    "I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much, that, while I cannot give, you can take.
    No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take heaven, no peace lies in the future which is not hidden in the present instant.
    Take peace. The gloom of the world is but a shadow: behind it, yet within our reach is joy.
    Take joy. And so , at this Christmas time, I greet you,with the prayer, that for you, now and forever,the day breaks and the shadows flee away." by Fra Giiovanni 1513

    Have a lovely Christmas!

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    Follow me ...

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  14. The vegetables are marinating, other food is prepared for tomorrow, my quiches are out of the oven, etc., and I've sat down for some calming and peaceful thoughts. Your post was a gift to myself today.
    Thank you. Blessings at Christmastime.
    Karen A.

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  15. Happy Christmas, have a wonderful day and enjoy the time with your family.
    Lovely post .
    Millyx

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  16. Hi Marqueta. I'm taking a trip on my magic sleigh around my world of blogging frinds and am delighted to have arrived in time to see your very pretty tree. I think the miniatures you made for it are amazing. That nest of beans is just perfect and I'm wondering if you have anything small enough to create a bird to sit on the eggs. I'm sure you will have had a wonderful Christmas and so I'd like to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2012. Love Eli xx

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  17. Yes, I agree... napping with a kitty cat is a great way to encourage peace to pillow in around our hearts.

    Trust your Christmas was beautiful in every way.....

    Looking forward to sharing the journey with you in 2012.....

    Wishing you glimpses of the heavenly kind!

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  18. Hello my Dears!!!
    How I have missed you!!!
    I am visiting you from the Library!! (My computer is dead)
    I hope all has been BLESSED for your Holidays!!! And THANK YOU ALL for my SUPRISE!!! (I will write SOON)!!!
    XXXXX OOOOO Linnie

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