Christmas Trees

As I get older "free" is a word that I really need to think about before I jump at the "free" item because a lot of times it comes with a price. This year Scott's aunt called us and said there was a "pine tree" that need to be removed from his grandma's yard and it is perfect shape for a Christmas tree would we want it. Not only was it free, but we both loved the idea of going to Grandma's to cut it down, so we said we would take it. Well it was a beautiful shaped tree, but very, very large. So after much trimming when we got home and pushing and shoving to get it to the family room it was time to decorate. We took a closer look at the tree, and realized that it wasn't a pine or a spruce but more of a juniper/shrub type and very poky. Well that was okay it was FREE and we can just be careful decorating it. It was beautiful with all the lights and ornaments on, but after about a week we had to be very careful walking near the tree because if you stepped on one of the "needles" it hurt! Then a couple days later we couldn't touch it as it would drop a pile of it's "needles" on the floor. This became increasingly more difficult to put presents under the tree for fear of ending up with a Charlie Brown tree with a week or more to go before Christmas! The tree did make it until yesterday and then we decided to take it down right away today because it was so messy. We had to saw it into pieces in order to get it out with out making too much of a mess. I spent 2 hours or more on the floor trying to pick and vacuum at the same time as all the needles were being buried into the depths of our carpet. I am sure we will be stepping on needles for months and when anyone comes over I will have to put up a warning sign. Morale of the story: There is a reason why pines and spruces are the only kind of Christmas trees in the tree lots.

Merry Christmas

We wish blessings to you and your families today. As my husband read from Luke 1 today about the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth I thought of the things I have been trying to focus on this season which is not just baby Jesus but the faith of others that had to happen in order for there to even be the baby in the manager. The leadings of God and the faith of a young teenage mother who was willing right from the beginning, the strength of the earthly father and the faith that the two of them together shared. With everything falling into place in God's timing and the faith of all of these people here on earth. How often do we struggle with everyday occurrences that take away from our joy? And yet the only thing we need to do is look to the story of Jesus and not overlook the simple faith that those around him had and know that anything that comes our way can be solved through our faith that everything is in HIS hands. Peace to you today.