Good Morning My Fellow Stampers ~
We've reached "D-Day" and I hope you have accomplished everything you wanted to, and are ready to relax with family and loved ones as we celebrate the Birth of our Christ, and remember the "reason for the season." I didn't quite get it all done; but what is left is not going to be hurt by being a little late. What is important is right here with me, and I am bursting with happiness and am filled with joy.
As I pause to reflect on this past year with its stress, anxieties, difficulties, joys, special moments, mercies, and so much more . . . I find myself more than grateful for so many things. You, my very special customers and blog followers, are at the top of the list. Your support of my business has meant so much to me - more than you can know. I appreciate your business, your comments, and your inspiration that you provide me every day!
This is a time of year when it's easy to get distracted by all of the details and last-minute to-do's . . . that has certainly been the case around here as I am flying through the hustle and bustle of these past several weeks! I think it's important to remember to slow down, take a moment, and reflect on the deep meaning of Christmas. For me, it's about Christ, God made flesh, and His love demonstrated by living among and suffering for us to restore our relationship with Him.
Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way
and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:4-6
His love, which brings healing and joy, is both sobering and worth celebrating. I have a special ornament I hang at the very front, top center of my tree. It is simply a nail hanging below a plaque which states "He was born for This." It is a good reminder to me as I start the season each year why we take the time to celebrate and remember.
From our home to yours, Miss Sadie Ann and I want to wish you the peace, joy and blessings of this very blessed Christmas season. All our hearts love to each of you. And we'll see you next week as we get ready to start a new catalog, a new year, and a new season of inspiration and creativity.
Hugs to All of You My Friends,
